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* ENGLISH EXERCISER 

MURRAY'S EN. 

f <; 

EXERCISES 'fS PARSiml— INSyA^CES OF FAKSE 

ORTHOGRAPHY ;— V tM^TIONS OF THE RULES 

CF SYNTAX ;— DEIWJS IN /PW&CTUATION j 



*4 



VIOLATION OF THE RULES RESPECTING PER- 
SPICUOUS AND ACCURATE WRITING. 

DESIONED FOR THE "' $t"!*K£ 

t4 



BENEFIT OF PRIYATE LEARNERS, ^ 

; WELL A§£"- , 



AS ' 



FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS," 



^.ryofCo^ 



BY LINDLEY MURRAY. 



*'•' Washing] 



STEREOTYPED FROM THE LAST ENGLISH EDITION, B^ 
H. & H. WALLIS, NEW-YORK, 

NEW-YORK: 

rUfcttZMlRD BY COLLINS AND HAM AY, 

Xo. 230. ?et*rl~8tte*t. 






o \ 

■ y 



ADVERTISEMENT. 



As there are some teachers, who doubt the propriety 
of presenting exercises of bad English to youth c£ the 
junior classes, it seems proper in this place, to make a 
few observations on the subject. 

The author is persuaded, that exercises of this nature 
cannot be too soon engaged in, by the student of gram- 
mar. Simple rules, and examples of rectitude, make 
light impression, compared with the effect of contrast v in 
which errors and corrections are opposed to each other. 
A child generally sees and hears so many instances of 
erroneous construction, that, unless he is early taught to 
distinguish and correct them, his imitative powers will 
be more influenced by error than by rectitude. Besides, 
children, in detecting and amending errors, feel their own 
powers ; and however small the exercise may be, it is a 
most pleasing and animating incentive to application and 
study. What the}' learn in this way, wifl not only gra- 
tify them : it will also improve their judgment and saga- 
city, and be long and accurately remembered. 

On these grounds, it is evident, that the practice of 
correcting errors, should be introduced into the early 
stages of grammatical studies. Instead of exposing chil- 
dren to " the danger of evil communication," as some in- 
genious persons have supposed, it seems to be the best 
means of teaching them, first, to discover the irregulari- 
ties, and then, to avoid the contagion, of bad examples. 



GENERAL DIRECTION S 

FOR T7SING THE EXERCISER. 

1. As soon as the learner has committed to memory, 
the definitions of the article and substantive, as ex- 
pressed in the Grammar, he should be employed in 
parsing those parts of speech, as they are arranged 
in this volume of the Exercises. 

2. The learner should proceed, in this manner, 
through all the definitions of the parts of speech con- 
tained in etymology, regularly parsing the exercises on 
one definition, before he applies to another. 

3. As the pupil will then be able to understand all 
the rules in orthography, he should be directed to cor- 
rect, in regular order, the orthographical exercises at- 
tached to the particular rules. 

4. In this stage of his progress, he may vary his 
employment, by occasionally parsing the promiscuous 

• exercises, contained in the ninth section of the chap 
ter of Etymological Parsing, and by writing the plu 
rals of nouns, &c. in the eighth section of the same 
chapter. 

5. When the first rule of syntax is committed to 
memory, the correspondent exercise in parsing, should 
be performed. Then the sentences of false syntax, 
under the rule, should be corrected, in writing. In 
this manner, both as to parsing and correcting, all the 
rules of syntax should be treated, proceeding regularly 
according to their order. The pupil may now be, 
occasionally, employed in correcting the promiscuous 
exercises in orthography. 

6. The preceding directions (except those upon 
orthography) respect only the leading rules of the 
Grammar, which are printed in the larger type. 
When the exercises on those general rules are com- 
pleted, and not before, the learner is to apply to the 
first subordinate rule, contained in the smaller type. 
He is to read it very attentively, assisted by the teach- 
er's explanations : and afterwards correct, in writings 



GENERAL lUKECTiONS. * 

the faise construction of the exercises belonging to it. 
Thus, he is to proceed, rule by rule, till the whole is 
iinished.* The learner should now be, occasionally, 
employed in parsing the promiscuous exercises, con- 
tained in the eighth section of the chapter on Syntac- 
tical Parsing. 

7. When the student has corrected all the exer- 
cises appropriated to the particular rules, he should 
regularly proceed to rectify the promiscuous exercises, 
in syntax and punctuation. In this employ, he should 
wnte over each correction, the number of the rule, 
principal or subordinate, by which he conceives the 
correction ought to be made. 

S. After this progress, the learner will be qualified 
10 enter on the exercises respecting perspicuous and 
accurate writing. In this part, he is to proceed in a 
manner as similar to the preceding directions, as the 
subject will admit. 

9. When all the exercises have been regularly cor- 
rected, in writing, it would tend to perfect the pupil's 
knowledge of the rules, and to give him an habitual 
dexterity in applying them, if he were occasionally 
desired to correct, verbally, erroneous sentences pur- 
posely selected from different parts of the book ; to 
recite the rules by which they are governed ; and, in 
his own language, to detail the reasons on which the 
corrections are founded. The following examples will 
give the student an idea of the manner, in which he is 
to make the verbal corrections. 

" The man is prudent w r hich speaks little." 

This sentence is incorrect ; because ivhich is a pro- 
noun of the neuter gender, and does not agree in gen- 
der with its antecedent man, which is masculine. But 
a pronoun should agree with its antecedent, in gender, 
&c. according to the fifth rule of syntax. Which 
should therefore be who, a relative pronoun agreeing 

* The pupil ought to review every leading rule, and again rectify 
a few of the sentences under it, before he enters on its subordinate 
'uies and their correspondent exercises. 



«J GENERAL DIRECTIONS. 

with its antecedent mmw ; and the sentence should stand 
thus : " The man is prudent ivho speaks little." 

" After I visited Europe, I returned to America." 

This sentence is not correct ; because the verb visit* 
ed is in the imperfect tense, and yet used here to ex- 
press an action, not only past, but prior to the time re- 
ferred to by the verb returned, to which it relates. By 
the thirteenth rule of syntax, when verbs are used that, 
in point of time, relate to each other, the order of time 
should be observed. The imperfect tense visited , 
should, therefore, have been had visited, in the pluper- 
fept tense, representing the action of visiting, not only 
as past, but also as prior to the time of returning. The 
sentence corrected would stand thus : "After I hail 
visited Europe, I returned to America." 

" This was the cause, which first gave rise to such 
a barbarous practice." 

This sentence is inaccurate. The words first and 
rise have here the same meaning ; and the word such 
is not properly applied. This word signifies of tJmt 
hind, : but the author does not refer to a kind or spe- 
cies of barbarity. He means a degree of it : and there- 
fore the word so, instead of such, ought to have been 
used. The words cause and gave rise, are also tauto- 
logical : one of them should, consequently, be omitted. 
The sentence corrected would stand thus : " This was 
the original cause of so barbarous a practice ; or, " of 
a practice so barbarous." 

10. As parsing is an exercise of great importance to 
the pupil, it should be continued, regularly through the 
whole course of his grammatical instruction. 

11. To the learner who has not the aid of a teacher, 
the Key is indispensable. But it should, on no occa- 
sion, be consulted, till the sentence which is to be rec- 
tified, has been well considered, and has received the 
learner's best correction. 



CONTENTS. 



PART. I. 

Exercises in Parsing. 



"o 



Page. 

Chap. 1. Exercises in Parsing, as it respects Ety- 
mology alone .... 
fL Exercises in Parsing, as it respects both 

Etymology and Syntax. 22 

PART It 

Exercises in Orthography. 

Chip. I. Instances of false Orthography, arrang- 
ed under tin* respective Rules - 35 
% Instances of false Orthography, promis- 
cuously disposed. 40 

PART III. 

Exercises in Syntax. 

CffiP. 1. Instances of false Syntax, disposed un- 
der the particular Rules - - 52 
2. Instances \J[ false Syntax, promiscuous- 
ly disposed fc " . ' - 99 

PART IT. 

Exercises in Punctuation* 

Chip. 1. Sentences which require the applica- 
tion of the Comma, disposed under the 
particular Rules - - 115 

2. Sentences which require the insertion 

of the Semicolon and Comma - 12S 



Vill CONTENTS. 

Page. 
Chap. 8. Sentences requiring the application of 

the Colon, &c. - - - 124 

4. Sentences which require the insertion of 

the Period. - - - 12C 

5. Sentences requiring the application of 

the Dash ; of the Notes of Interroga- 
tion and Exclamation ; and of the Pa- 
renthetical Characters - 127 

6. Promiscuous instances of defective 

Punctuation. - - 12C 

PART V. 

Exercises to promote perspicuous and accurate 
Writing. 

First, With respect to single Words and Phrases. 

Chap. 1. Violations of the Rules of Purity - 138 

2. Violations of the Rules of Propriety - 140 

3. Violations of the Rules of Precision - 147 

Secondly, With respect to the construction of 
Sentences. 

Chap. 1. Sentences in which the Rules of Clear- 
ness are violated - - 148 
% Sentences in which the Rules of Unity 

are violated - - - -" 158 

3. Sentences in which the Rules for pro- 

moting the btrength of a sentence are 
violated. - - - 15G 

4. Instances of an irregular use of Figures 

of Speech - .- . . lg$ 

5 Violations of the Rules respecting per- 
spicuous and accurate writing, pro- 
miscuously disposed - - 168 

APPENDIX. 

Chap. 1. On transposing the members of a sentence 177 
2. On variety of expression, - - 178 



y^A^v- '<//** *>~-7C<g / 4 



EXERCJjSES. 

PART I. 

EXERCISES IK PARSING. 



CHAP. I. 

EXERCISES IN rARSING, AS IT RESPECTS ETYMOLOGT 
AI.CKE. 

See the Grammar, p. 143. 



SECT. I. 

Etymological Parsing Table. 

WHAT part of Speech? 
j . An article. What kind ? Why ? 
L A substantive. Common or proper ? "What gen- 
der? Number? Case? Why? 

3. Jin adjective. What degree of comparison? To 

what does it belong ? Why an adjective ? 

4. A pronoun. What kind ? Person? Gender? 

Number? Case? Why? 

5. A verb. What kind? Mood? Tense ? Number ? 

Person ? Why ? If a participle, Why ? ac- 
tive or passive ? 

6. An adverb. Why is it an adverb ? 

7. A preposition. Why a preposition ? 

8. A conjunction. Why? 

9. An interjection. Why? 

SECT. II. 

Specimen of Etymological Parsing. 

" Hope animates us." 

Hope is a common substantive, of the neuter gen 
der. the third person, in the singular number, and the 



nominative case. [Decline the substantive.'} Jim- 
mates is a regular verb active, indicative mood, present 
tense, third person singular. [Repeat the present 
tense, the imperfect tense, and the perfect participle : 
and sometimes conjugate the verb entirely.] Us is a 
personal pronoun, first person plural, and in the objec- 
tive case. [Decline the pronoun.] 

" A peaceful mind is virtue's reward." 

Ji is the indefinite article. Peaceful is an adjective- 
[Repeat the degrees of comparison.] JVLind is a com- 
mon substantive, of the neuter gender, the third per- 
son, in the singular number, and the nominative case. 
[Decline the substantive.] Is is an irregular verb 
neuter, indicative mood, present tense, and the third 
person singular. [Repeat the present tense, the imper- 
fect tense, and the participle ; and occasionally conju- 
gate the verb entirely.] Virtue 7 s is a common sub- 
stantive, of the neuter gender, the third person, in the 
singular number, and the possessive case. [Decline 
the substantive,] Reward is a common substantive, 
of the neuter gender, the third person, in the singula*: 
number, and the nominative case. 





SECT. III. 




Article and Substantive. 


A bush 


An hour 


A tree 


An honour 


An abbess 


An hostler 


An owl 


The garden 


A flower 


The fields 


An apple 


The rainbow 


An orange 


The clouds 


An almond 


The scholars' duty 


A hood 


The horizon 


A Louse 


Virtue 


A hunter 


The vices 



PAKSIKG, 



11 



Temperance 

A variety 

George 

The Rhine 

A prince 

A rivulet 

TheHumber 

Gregory 

The Pope 

An inclination 

The undertaking 

Penelope 

Constancy 

An entertainment 

A fever 

The stars 

A comet 

A miracle 

A prophecy 

Depravity 

A building 

The weavers' 

Europe 

The sciences 

Yorkshire 

The planets 

The aun 

A volume 

Parchment 

The pens 

A disposition 

Benevolence 

An oversight 



company 



A design 

The governess 

i\n orr*mem 

The girls' scnool 

A grammar 

Mathematics 

The elements 

An earthquake 

The king's prerogative 

Africa 

The continent 

Roundness 

A declivity 

Blackness 

An elevation 

The conqueror 

An Alexander 

Wisdom 

America 

The Caesars 

The Thames 

A river 

The shadows 

A vacancy 

The hollow 

The constitution 

The laws 

Beauty 

A consumption 

An idea 

A whim 

Something 

Nothing 



SECT. IV. 

Article* Jldjtcfive, and Substantive. 
A good heart* A strong body. 



A vrt9* heaeU 



An obeHte?>£ sor. 



12 



luXKKCiSfcS. 



A diligent scholar. 
A happy parent. 
Shady trees. 
A fragrant flower. 
The verdant fields. 
A peaceful mind. 
Composed thoughts. 
A serene aspect. 
An affable deportment. 
The whistling winds. 
A dignified character. 
A pleasing address. 
An open countenance. 
The candid reasoner. 
Fair proposals. 
A mutual agreement. 
A plain narrative. 
An historical fiction. 
Relentless war. 
An obdurate heart. 
Tempestuous passions. 
A temper unhappy. 
A sensual mind. 
The babbling brook. 
A limpid stream. 
A boisterous sea. 
The howling tempest. 
A gloomy cavern. 
Rapid streams. 
Unwholesome dews. 
A severe winter. 
A useless drone. 
The industrious bees. 
Harmless doves. 
The careless ostrich. 
The dutiful stork. 
The spacious firmament. 
Cooling breezes. 
A woman amiable. 



A free government. 
The diligent farmer. 
A fruitful field. 

The crowning harvest. 
A virtuous conflict. 
A final reward. 
Peaceful abodes. 

The noblest prospect. 

A profligate life. 

A miserable end. 

Regions gloomy. 

An incomprehensible sub- 
ject. 

A controverted point. 

The cool sequestered 
vale. 

The devious walk 

A winding canal. 

The serpentine river. 

A melancholy fact. 

An interesting history. 

A happier life. 

The woodbine's fragrance. 

A cheering prospect. 

An harmonious sound. 

Fruit delicious. 

The sweetest incense. 

An odorous garden. 

The sensitive plant. 

A convenient mansion. 

Warm clothing. 

A temperate climate. 

Wholesome aliment. 

An affectionate parent. 

A garden enclosed. 

The ivy-mantled tower. 

Virtue's fair form. 

A mahogany table. 

Sweet*scented ^frtle 



rARSiftu. 



L3 



A resolution wise, noble, Tender-looking charily, 

disinterested. My brother's wife's mo- 

Consolation's lenient hand. ther. 
A better world. A book of my friend's. 

A cheerful, good old man. An animating, well-found- 
A. silver tea-urn. ed hope. 

SECT. V. 



Pronoun and Verb, fyc. 



I am sincere. 

Thou art industrious. 

He is disinterested. 

We honour them. 

You encourage us. 

They command her. 

Thou dost improve. 

He assisted me. 

We completed our journey 

Our hopes did flatter us. 

They have deceived me. 



You shall submit. 

They will obey us. 

Good humour shall prevail , 

He will have determined. 

We shall have agreed. 

Let me depart. 

Do you instruct him. 

Prepare your lessens. 

Let him consider. 

Let us improve ourselves, 

We have been rewarded. 



Your expectation has failed She had been admired. 



Know yourselves. 

Let them advance. 

They may offend. 

I can forgive. 

He might surpass them. 

We could overtake him. 

I would be happy. 

You should repent. 

He may have deceived me. You may be discovered. 

They may have forgotten. He might be convinced. 

Thou mightst have im- 
proved. 

The accident had hap- 
pened. 

He had resigned himself. 

Theirfearswilldetectthem, 



Virtue will be rewarded- 

The person will have been 
executed, when the pur- 
don arrives. 

Let him be animated, 

Be you entreated. 

Let them be prepared . 

It can be enlarged. 



It would be caressed. 

I may have been deceived. 

They might have been ho- 
noured. 

To be trusted, we must be 
virtuous. 



B 



H 



EXKECiSES, 



To have been admired, 
availed him little. 

We should have consi- 
dered. 

To see the sun is pleasant. 

To live well is honourable. 

To have conquered him- 
self was his highest 
praise. 

Promoting others' wel- 
fare, they advanced 
their own interest. 

He lives respected. 

Ha vipg resigned his office, 
he retired. 

They are discouraged. 

He was condemned. 

The hook is his ; it was 
mine. 

These are yours those are 
ours. 

Our hearts are deceitful. 

Your conduct met their 
approbation. 

None met who could 
avoid it. 

His esteem is my honour. 

Her work does her credit. 

Each mvst answer the 
question. 

Every heart knows its 
own sorrows. 



Which was his choice ? 

It was neither. 

Hers is finished, thine is 
to do. 

This is what I feared. 

Ridiculed, despised, per- 
secuted, he maintained 
his principles. 

Being reviled, we bless. 

Having been deserted, he 
became discouraged. 

The sight being new, he 
startled. 

This uncouth figure start- 
led turn. 

I have searched, I have 
found it. 

They searched those 
rooms ; he was gone. 

That is the thing which I 
desired. 

Who can preserve himself? 

Whose books are these ? 

Whom have we served 1 

Some are negligent, others 
industrious. 

One may deceive one's self. 

All have a talent to im- 
prove. 

Can any dispute it ? 

Such is our condition. 



SECT. VI. 

Adverb , Preposition, Conjunction, and Interjection, 

I have seen him once, per- Thirdly, and lastly, I shall 
haps twice. conclude. 



PARSING. 16 

This plant is found here, We in vain look for a path 

and elsewhere, between virtue and vice. 

Only to-day is properly He lives within his income. 

ours. The house was sold at a 

The task is already per- great price, and above 

formed. its value. 

We could not serve him She came down stairs slow- 
then, but we will here- ly, but went briskly up 

after. again. 

We often resolve, but sel- His father, and mother, and 

dom perform. uncle, reside at Rome. 

He is much more promis- We must be temperate, if 

ing now than formerly. we would b healthy. 
When will they arrive ? He is as old as his class- 
Where shall we stop 1 mate, but net so learned. 
Mentally and bodily, we Charles is esteemed be- 

are curiously and won- cause he is both discreet 

derfuily formed. and benevolent. 

They travelled through We will stay till he arrives. 

France, in haste, towards He retires to rest soon, that 

Italy. he may rise early. 

From virtue to vice, the We ought to be thankful, for 

progress is gradual. we have received much. 

By diligence and frugality By this imprudence, he 

we arrive at competency. was plunged into new 
We are often below our difficulties. 

wishes, and above our Without the aid of charity, 

desert. he supported himself 

Some things make for him, with credit. 

others against him. Of his talents much might 

We are wisely and happily be said ; concerning his 

directed. integrity, nothing. 

He has certainly been diii- On ail occasions, she be- 

gent, and he will pro- haved with propriety. 

bably succeed. Neither prosperity, nor ad- 

How sweetly the birds sing ! versity, has improved him. 
Why art thou so heedless ? He can acquire no virtue, 
He is little attentive, nay, unless he make sonxe 

absolutely stupid, sacrifices* 



lt> EXERCISES. 

Let him that standeth, take Though he is lively, yet he 

heed lest he fall. is not volatile. 

If thou wert his superior, peace ! how desirable 

; thou shouldst not have thou art! 

boasted. I have been often occupied, 

He will be detected, though alas ! with trifles. 

he deny the fact. Strange ! that we should 

If he has promised, he be so infatuated. 

should act accordingly. ! the humiliations to 
She will transgress, unless which vice reduces us. 

she be admonished. If our desires are moderate. 

If he were encouraged, he our wants will be few. 

would amend. Hope often amuses, but 

Though he condemn me, seldom satisfies us. 

I will respect him. Hark ! how sweetly the 

Their taleats are more wood lark sings ! 

brilliant than useful. Ah ! the delusions of hope. 
Notwithstanding his po- Hail, simplicity ! source of 

verty, he is a wise and genuine joy. 

worthy person. Behold ! how pleasant it is 

Though he is often advised, for brethren to dwell 

yet he does not reform. together in unity ! 
Reproof either softens or Welcome again ! myJlong 

hardens, its object, lost friend. 

SECT. VII. 

Ji few instances of the same tccrd's constituting 
several of Hie parts of speech. 

Calm was the day, and the The gay and dissolute think 
scene delightful. little of the miseries, 

We may expect a calm af- which are stealing softly 
ter a storm. after them. 

To prevent passion, is A little attention will rec- 
easier than to calm it. tify some errors. 

Better is a little with con- Though he is out of dan- 
tent, than a great deal ger, he is still afraid, 
with anxiety* 



r arming. 17 

He laboured to still the She is his inferior in sense, 

tumult. but his equal in pru- 

Still waters are commonly dence. 

deepest. Every being loves its like. 

Damp air is unwholesome. We must make a like 
-Guilt often casts a damp space between the lines. 

over our sprightliest Behave yourselves like 

hours. men. 

Soft bodies damp the sound We are too apt to like per- 

much more than hard nicious company. 

ones. He may go or stay as he 

Tho' she is rich and fair, likes. 

yet she is not amiable. They strive to learn. 
They are yet young, and He goes to and fro. 

must suspend their judg- To his wisdom we owe 

ment yet a while. our privilege. 

Many persons are better The proportion is ten to 

than we suppose them one. 

to be. He has served them with 

The few and the many his utmost ability. 

havetheirprepossessions When we do our utmost, 
Few days pass without no more is required. 

some clouds. I will submit, for I know 

Much money is corrupting. submission brings peace. 
Think much, and speak It is for pur health to be 

little. temperate. 

He has seen much of the ! for better times. 

world, and been much I have a regard for him. 

carressed. He is esteemed, both on 

Ills years are more than his own account, and on 

hers ; but he has net that of his parents. 

more knowledge. Both of them deserve 

The more we are blessed, praise. 

the more grateful we Yesterday was a fine day. 

should be. I rode out yesterday. 

The desire of getting more I shall write to-morrow. 

is rarely satisfied. To-morrow may be brigfct- 

He has equal knowledge, er than to-day. 

hut inferior judgment] 



l& EXERCISES. 

SECT. VIIL 

Nouns, Adjectives, and Verbs, to be declined, com- 
pared, and conjugated. 

Write, in the nominative case plural, the following 
nouns : apple, plum, orange, bush, tree, plant, con* 
venience, disorder, novice, beginning, defeat, pro- 
tuberance. 

Write the following substantives, in the nominative 
case plural ; cry, fly, cherry, fancy, glory, duty, boy, 
folly, play, lily, toy, conveniency. 

Write the following nouns in the possessive case 
singular : boy, girl, man, woman, lake, sta, churchy 
lass, beauty, sister, bee, branch. 

Write the following in the nominative case plural ; 
loaf, sheaf, self, muff, knife, stuff, wife, staff, wolf, 
half, calf, shelf, life. 

Write the following in the possessive case plural : 
brother, child, man, woman, foot, tooth, ox, mouse, 
goose, penny. 

Write the following nouns in the nominative and 
possessive cases plural : wife, chief, die, staff, city, 
river, proof, archer, master, crutch, mouth, baker, 
distaff. 

Write the possessive singular and plural of the 
pronouns, I, thou, he, she, it, who, and other. 

Write the objective cases, singular and plural, of 
the pronouns, I, thou, he, she, it, and who. 

Compare the following /adjectives : fair, grave, 
bright, long, short, tall, white, deep, strong, poor, 
rich, great. „ 

Compare the following adjectives : amiable, mo- 
derate, disinterested, favourable, grateful, studious, 
attentive, negligent, industrious, perplexing. 

Write the following adjectives, in the comparative 
degree ; near, far, little, low, good, indifferent, bad, 
worthy, convenient. 

Write the following adjectives in the superlative 



parsing. ;y 

degree : feeble, bold, good, ardent, cold, bad, base, 
little, strong, late, near, content. 

Conjugate the following verbs in the indicative 
mood, present tense : beat, gain, read, eat, walk, 
desire, interpose. 

Conjugate the following verbs in the potential mood, 
imperfect tense : fear, hope, dream, fly, consent, im- 
prove, controvert. 

Conjugate the following verbs in the subjunctive 
mood, perfect tense : drive, prepare, starve, omit, 
indulge, demonstrate. 

Conjugate the following words in the imperative 
mood : believe, depart, invent, give, abolish, contrive. 

Write the following verbs in the infinitive mood, 
present and perfect tenses : grow, decrease, live, 
prosper, seperate, incommode. 

Write the present, perfect, and compound parti- 
ciples, of the following verbs : confess, disturb, please-, 
know, begin, sit, set, eat, lie, lay. 

Conjugate the following verbs, in the indicative 
mood, present and perfect tenses of the passive voice : 
honour, abase, amuse, slight, enlighten, displease, 
envelop, bereave. 

Conjugate the following verbs, in the indicative 
mood, pluperfect and first future tenses : fly, contrive, 
know, devise, choose, come, see, go, eat, grow, bring, 
forsake. 

Write the following verbs in the present and im- 
perfect tenses of the potential and subjunctive moods : 
know, shake, heat, keep, give, blow, bestow, beseech, 

^Vrite the following verbs in the indicative mood, 
lm\ erfect and second future tenses, of the passire 
vois e : slay, draw, crown, throw, defeat, grind, hear, 
di ert. 

Write the following verbs in the second and third 
persons singular of all the tenses in the indicative and 
subjunctive moods : approve, condemn, mourn, freeze, 
know, arise, drive, blow, investigate. 

Form the following verbs in the infinitive and 



20 EXERCISES. 

imperative moods, with their participles, ail in the 
passive voice : embrace, draw, defeat, smile. 

SECT. IX. 

Promiscuous Exercises in Etymological Parsing. 

In your whole behaviour, be humble and obliging. 

Virtue is the universal charm. 

True politeness has its seat in the heart. 

We should endeavour to please, rather than to shine 
and dazzle. 

Opportunities occur daily for strengthening in our- 
selves the habits of virtue. 

Compassion prompts us to relieve the wants of others, 

A good mind is unwilling to give pain to either man 
or beast. 

Peevishness and passion often produce, from trifles, 
the most serious mischiefs. 

Discontent often nourishes passions, equally ma- 
lignant in the cottage and in the palace. 

A great proportion of human evils is created by 
ourselves. 

A passion for revenge, has always been considered 
as the mark of a little and mean mind. 

If greatness flatters our vanity, it multiplies our 
dangers. 

To our own failings we are commonly blind. 

The friendships of young persons, are often found- 
ed on capricious likings. 

In your youthful amusements, let no unfairness be 
found. 

Engrave on your minds this sacred rule ; "Do 
unto others, as you wish that they should do iintoyouu" 

Truth and candour possess a powerful charm : they 
bespeak universal favour. 

After the first departure from sincerity it is seldom 
in our power to stop : one artifice, generally leads on 
-to another. 



Temper the vivacity of youth, with a proper mix- 
ture of serious thought. 

The spirit of true religion is social, kind, and cheer* 
fuL 

Let no compliance with the intemperate mirth of 
others, ever betray you into profane sallies. 

In preparing for another world, we must not neg- 
lect the duties of this life. 

The manner in which we employ our present time 
may decide our future happiness or misery. 

Happiness does not grow up of its own accord : it 
is the fruit of long cultivation, and the acquisition of 
labour and care. 

A plain understanding is often joined with great 
worth. 

The brightest parts are sometimes found without 
virtue or honour. 

How feeble are the attractions of the fairest form, 
when nothing within corresponds to them ! 

Piety and virtue are particularly graceful and be- 
coming in youth. 

Can we, untouched by gratitude, view that profu- 
sion of good, which the Divine hand pours around us l 

There is nothing in human life more amiable and 
respectable, than the character of a truly humble and 
benevolent man. 

What feelings are more uneasy and distressful, than 
the workings of sour and angry passions 1 

No man can be active in disquieting others, who 
does not, at the same time, disquiet himself. 

A life of pleasure and dissipation, is an enemy to 
health, fortune, and character. 

To correct the spirit of discontent, let us consider 
how little we deserve, and how much we enjoy. 

As far as happiness is to be found on earth, we must 
look for it, not in the world, or the things of the world ; 
but within ourselves, in our temper, and in our heart. 

Though bad men attempt to turn virtue into ridicule* 
thev honour it at the bottom of their hearts. 



22 EXERCISES. 

Of what small moment to our real happiness, are 
many of those injuries which draw forth our resent- 
ment. 

In the moments of eager contention, every thing is 
magnified and distorted in its appearance. 

Multitudes in the most obscure stations, are not 
less eager in their petty broils, nor less tormented by 
their passions, than if princely honours were the prize 
for which they contend. 

The smooth stream, the serene atmosphere, the 
mild zephyr, are the proper emblems of a gentle tem- 
per, and a peaceful life.. Among the sons of strife, 
all is loud and tempestuous. 



CHAPTER II. 

Exercises in parsing, as it respects both Etymo- 
logy and Syntax. 

See the Orammar, p. 148 



SECT. I. 

Syntactical Parsing Table. 

Article. Why is it the definite article? 

Wliy the indefinite ? 

Why omitted ? Why repeated ? 
Substantive. Why is it in the possessive case? 

Why in the objective case ? 

Why in apposition ? 

Why is the apostrophic s omitted] 
Jjtdjective. What is its substantive ? 

Why in the singular, why in the plural 
number 1 

Why in the comparative degree, &c. ? 

Why placed after its substantive ? 

Why omitted ? Why repeated ? 



PAUSUVG. 



2* 



Pronoun. What is its antecedent? 

Why is it in the singular* why in the 

plural number ? 
Why of the masculine, why of the fe- 
minine, why of the neuter gender ? 
Why of the first, of the second, or 

of the third person ? 
Why is it the nominative case ? 
Why the possessive? Why the ob- 
jective ? 
Why omitted ? Why repeated ? 
Verb. What is its nominative case? 

What case does it govern ? 
Why is it in the singular ? Why in the 

plural number ? 
Why in the first person, &c. ? 
Why is it in the infinitive mood ? 
Why in the subjunctive, &c. ? 
Why in this particular tense \ 
What relation has it to another verb, in 

point of time ? 
Why do participles sometimes govern 

the objective case? 
Why is the verb omitted? Why re- 
peated ? 
Adverb. What is its proper situation? 

Why is the double negative used t 
Why rejected ? 
Preposition* What case does it govern? 

Which is the word governed ? 
Why this preposition ? 
Why omitted ? Why repeated ? 
Conjunction. What moods, tenses, or cases, does it 
connect ? And why? What mood 
does it require ? Why omitted ? Why 
repeated ? 
fnUrjection. Why doe3 the nominative case follow 
it ? Why the objective ? W 7 hy omit- 
ted ? Why repeated ? 



24 EXKRCISLS, 

•SECT. II. 
Specimen of Syntactical Parsing. 
" Vice degrades us." 

Vice is a common substantive, of the neuter gen- 
der, the third person, in the singular number, and the 
nominative case. Degrades is a regular verb active ,■ 
indicative mood, present tense, third person singular, 
agreeing with its nominative " vice," according to 
rule i. which says ; (here repeat the rule.) Us is a 
personal pronoun, first person plural, in the objective 
case, and governed by the active verb " degrades/ 
agreeably to rule xi. which says, &c. 

" He who lives virtuously prepares for all events." 

He is a personal pronoun, of the third person, sin- 
gular number, and masculine gender. Who is a re- 
lative pronoun, which has for its antecedent, " he," 
with which it agrees in gender and number, accord- 
ing to rule v. which says, &c. Lives a regular 
verb neuter, indicative mood, present tense, third 
person singular, agreeing with its nominative, "who," 
according to rule vi. which says, &c. Virtuously 
is an adverb of quality. Prepares a regular verb 
neuter, indicative mood, present tense, third person 
singular, agreeing with its nominative, " he." For 
is a preposition. Jill is an adjective pronoun, of the 
indefinite kind, the plural number, and belongs to its 
substantive, " events," with which it agrees, accord- 
ing to rule vm. which says, &c. Events is a com- 
mon substantive of the neuter gender, the third per- 
son, in the plural number, and the objective case, go- 
verned by the preposition, " for," according to rule 
xvii. which says, &c. 

" If folly entice thee, reject its allurements." 

If is a copulative conjunction. Folly is a commas 
substantive of the neuter gender, the third person, in 
th e singular mi mber r and the n om i native case. Fmticp 



TAUSING. 25 

is a regular verb active, subjunctive mood, pre- 
sent tense, third person singular, and is governed by 
the conjunction " if," according to rule xix. which 
says, &c. Thee is a personal pronoun, of the second 
person singular, in the objective case, governed by 
the active verb " entice," agreeably to rule xi. 
which says, &c. Reject is a regular active verb, 
imperative rnood, second person singular, and agrees 
with its nominative case, " thou" implied. Its is a 
personal pronoun, third person, singular number, and 
of the neuter gender, to agree with its substantive 
" folly," according to rule v. whieh says, &c. It 
is in the possessive case, governed by the noun " al- 
lurements," agreeably to rule x. which says, &c. 
Allurements is a common substantive, of the neuter 
gender, the third person, fa the plural number, and 
the objective case, governed by the active verb, " re- 
ject," according to rule xi. which says, &c. 

SECT. III. 

Exercises on ike first, second, third and fourth Rules 
of Syntax.* 

1. The contented mind spreads ease and cheerful- 
ness around it. 

The school of experience teaches many useful 
lessons. 

In the path of life are many thorns, as well as 
flowers. 

Thou shouldst do justice to all men, even to 
enemies. 

2. Vanity and presumption ruin many a promis- 
ing youth. 



* In parsing these exercises the pupil should repeat the respec- 
tive rule of Syntax, and show that it applies to the .sentence wnicb 
he is parsing 

o 



26 EXERCISES. 

Food, clothing, and credit, are the rewards oi 
dustry. 

He and William live together in great harmony 

3. No age, nor condition, is exempt from trouble. 
Wealth, or virtue, or any valuable acquisition, is 

not attainable by idle wishes. 

4. The British nation is great and generous 

The company is assembled. It is composed of 
persons possessing very different sentiments. 

A herd of cattle, peacefully grazing, affords a pleas- 
ing sigbt. 

SECT. IV* 

Exercises on the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth Rules 
of Syntax. 

5. The man, who is faithfully attached to religion, 
may be relied on with confidence. 

The vices which we should especially avoid, are 
those which most easily beset us. 

6. They who are born in high stations, are not 
always happy. 

Our parents and teachers are the persons whom we 
ought, in a particular manner, to respect. 

If our friend is in trouble, we, whom he knows and 
loves, may console him. 

7. Thou art the man who has improved his pri- 
vileges, aud who will reap the reward. 

I am the person, who owns a fault committed, and 
who disdains to conceal it by falsehood. 

8. That sort of pleasure weakens and debases the 
mind. 

Even in these times, there are many persons, who, 
from disinterested motives, are solicitous to promote 
the happiness of others* 



PARSIN0# 21 

SECT. V. 

Exercises on Ike ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth 
Rules of Syntax. 

9. The restless, discontented person, is not a good 
friend, a good neighbour, or a good subject. 

The young, the healthy, and the prosperous, should 
not presume on their advantages. 

10. The scholar's diligence will secure the tutor's 
approbation. 

The good parent's greatest joy, is, to see his chil- 
dren wise and virtuous. 

11. Wisdom and virtue ennoble us. Vice and 
folly debase us. 

Whom can we so justly love, as them who have 
endeavoured to make us wise and happy? 

12. When a person has nothing to do, he is almost 
always tempted to do wrong. 

We need not urge Charles to do good : he loves 
to do it. 

We dare not leave our studies without permission. 

SECT. VI. 

Exercises on the thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, six* 
teenth, and seventeenth Rules of Syntax. 

13. The business is, at last, completed ; but long 
ago I intended to do it. 

I expected to see the king, before he left Windsor. 

The misfortune did Happen : but we early hoped 
and endeavoured to prevent it. 

To have been censured by so judicious a friend, 
would have greatly discouraged me. 

14. IJaving early disgraced himself, he became 

mean and dispirited. 



^5 EXERCISES. 

Knowing him to be my superior, I cheerfully nub* 
mitted. 

15. We should always prepare for the worst, and 
hope for the best. 

A young man, so learned and virtuous, promises to 
be a very useful member of society. 

When our virtuous friends die, they are not lost for 
ever ; they are only gone before us to a happier world. 

16. Neither tblreatenings, nor any promises, could 
make him violate the truth. 

Charles is not insincere ; and therefore we may 
trust him. 

17. From whom was that information received ? 
To whom do that house, and those fine gardens, 

belong ? 

SECT. VII. 

Exercises on the eighteenth, nineteenth, twentieth , 
twenty-first, and tiventy-second Rules of Syntax* 

18. He and I commenced our studies at the same 
time. 

If we contend about trifles, and violently maintain 
our opinion, we shall gain but few friends. 

19. Though James and myself are rivals, we do 
not cease to be friends. 

If Charles acquire knowledge, good manners, and 
virtue, he will secure esteem. 

William is respected, because he is upright and 
obliging. 

20. These persons are abundantly more oppressed 
that we are. 

Though I am not so good a scholar as he is, I aiii, 
perhaps, not less attentive than he, to study. 

21. Charles was a man of knowledge, learning 

aoliteness, and religion. 



FA&91NG. 29 

In our travels, we saw much to approve, and much 
to condemn. 

22. The book is improved by many useful correc- 
tions, alterations, and additions. 

She is more talkative and lively than her brother, 
but not so well informed, nor so uniformly cheerful. 

SECT. VIII. 

Promiscuous Exercises in Syntactical Parsing. 

PROSE. 

Dissimulation in youth, is the forerunner of per- 
iidy in old age. Its first appearance is the fatal omen 
of growing depravity, and future shame. 

If we possess not the power of self-government, 
we shall be the prey of every loose inclination that 
chances to arise. Pampered by continual indulgence, 
all our passions will become mutinous and headstrong. 
Desire, not reason, will be the ruling principle of our 
conduc :. 

Absurdly w r e spend our time in contending about 
the trifles of a day, while we ought to be preparing 
for a higher existence. 

How little do they know of the true happiness of 
life, who are strangers to that intercourse of good 
offices and kind affections, which, by a pleasing 
charm, attaches men to one another, and circulates 
rational enjoyment from heart to heart ! 

If we view ourselves, with all our imperfections 
and failings, in a just light, we shall rather be sur- 
prised at our enjoying so many good things, than dis- 
contented, because there are any which we want. 

True cheerfulness makes a man happy in himself, 
and promotes the happiness of all around him. It is 
the clearer and calm sunshine of a mind illuminated 
r>> piety and virtue. 

Wherever views of interest and prospects of return 
C 2 



30 EXERCISES. 

mingle with the feelings of affection, sensibility acts 
an imperfect part, and entitles us to small share of 
commendation. 

Let not your expectations from the years that are 
to come, rise too high ; and your disappointments will 
be fewer, and more easily supported. 

To live long, ought not to be our favourite wish, so 
much as to live well. By continuing too long on 
earth, we might only live to witness a greater number 
of melancholy scenes, and to expose oarselves to a 
wider compass of human wo. 

How many pass away some of the most valuable 
years of their lives, tost in a whirlpool of what cannotbe 
called pleasure, so much as mere giddiness and folly I 

Look round you with attentive eye, and weigh 
characters well, before you connect yourselves too 
closely with any who court your society. 

The true honour of man consists not in the multi- 
tude of riches, or the elevation of rank ; for experi- 
ence shows, that these may be possessed by the 
worthless, as well as by the deserving. 

Beauty of form has often betrayed its possessor. 
The flower is easily blasted. It is short-lived at the 
best ; and trifling, at any rate, in comparison with the 
higher, and more lasting beauties of the mind. 

A contented temper opens a clear sky, and brightens 
every object around us. It is in the sullen and dark 
shade of discontent, that noxious passions, like venom- 
ous animals, breed and prey upon the heart. 

Thousands whom indolence has sunk into con- 
temptible obscurity, might have come forward to use- 
fulness and honour, if idleness had not frustrated the 
effects of all their powers. 

Sloth is like the slowly-flowing, putrid stream, which 
stagnates in the marsh, breeds venomous animals and 
poisonous plants ; and infects with pestilential vapours 
the whole country round it. 

Disappointments derange, and overcome, vulgar 
minrte. The patient and the wise, Kv a proper w\ 



SYNTAX. 

pgoranent, frequently make ihem contribute to their 
high advantage. 

Whatever fortune may rob us of, it cannot take 
away what is most valuable, the peace of a good con- 
science, and the cheering prospect of a happy con- 
clusion to all the trials of life, in a better world. 

Be not overcome by the injuries you meet with, so 
as to pursue revenge ; by the disasters of life, so as to 
sink into despair ; by the evil examples of the world, 
so as to fellow them into sin. Overcome injuries, by 
forgiveness ; disasters, by fortitude ; evil examples, 
by firmness of principle. 

Sobriety of mind is one of those virtues, which the 
present condition of human life strongly inculcates. 
The uncertainty of its enjoyments, checks presump^ 
lion ; the multiplicity of its dangers, demands per- 
petual caution. Moderation, vigilance, and self-gov- 
ernment, are duties incumbent on all ; but especially 
on such as are beginning the journey of life. 

The charms and comforts of virtue are inexpres- 
sible ; and can only be justly conceived by those who 
possess her. The consciousness of Divine approba- 
tion and support, and the steady hope of future hap- 
piness, communicate a peace and joy, to which all the 
delights of the world bear no resemblance. 

If we knew how much the pleasures of this life 
deceive and betray their unhappy votaries ; and re- 
flected on the disappointments in pursuit, the dissatis- 
faction in enjoyment, or the uncertainty of possession, 
"which every where attend them; we should cease 
to be enamoured with these brittle and transient joys : 
and should wisely fix our hearts on those virtuous at- 
tainments, which the world can neither give nor *$ke 
away. 



EXERCISES. 



POETRY. 



Order is Heaven's first law ; and this contest, 
Some are, and must be, greater than the rest, 
More rich, more wise ; but who infers from hence. 
That such are happier, shocks all common sense. 

jN'eedful austerities our wills restrain; 

As thorns fence in the tender plant from harm. 

Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, 
Lie in three words, health, peace, and competence*, 
But health consists with temperance alone ; 
And peace, O virtue I peace is all thy own. 

On earth nought precious is obtain'd, 

But what is painful too ; 
By travel and to travel born, 

iQur sabbaths are but few. 

Who noble ends by noble means obtains, 
Or failing, smiles in exile or in chains, 
Like good Aurelius let him reign, or bleed 
Like Socrates, that man is great indeed. 

Our hearts are fasten'd to this world, 

By strong and endless ties ; 
But every sorrow cuts a string, 

And urges us to rise. 

Oft pining cares in rich brocades are drest, 
And diamonds glitter on an anxious breast. 

Teach me to feel another's wo, 

To hide the fault I see ; 
That mercy I to others show, 

That mercy show to me. 
This day be bread, ana* peace, my lot ; 

All else beneath the sun, 
Thou know'st if best bestow'd or not, 

And let thy will be done. 

Vice is a monster of so frightful mien, 
As, to be hated, needs but to be seen. 
jfet seen too oft, familiar with her face, 

Wo fi r «f- pndrrf. thon pity, then embrace. 



PARSING. 

if nothing more than purpose in thy power, 
Thy purpose firm, is equal to the deed ; 
Who does the best his circumstance allows 
Does well, acts nobly ; angels could no more, 

In faith and hope the world will disagree : 
But all mankind's concern is charity. 

To be resign'd when ills betide, 
Patient when favours are denied, 

And pleas'd with favours given ; 
Most surely this is wisdom's part, 
This is that incense of the heart, 

Whose fragrance smells to Heaven. 

All fame is foreign, but of true desert ; 

Plays round the head, bat comes not to the heart; 

One self-approving hour whole years outweighs 

Of stupid starers, and of loud huzzas ; 

And more true joy Marcellus exiPd feels, 

Than Caesar with a senate at his heels. 

Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife, 
Their sober wishes never learn'd to stray ; 

Along the cool sequester'd vale of life, 

They kept the noiseless tenor of their way. 

What nothing earthly gives, or can destroy, 
The soul's calm sunshine, and the heartfelt joy, 
Is virtue's prize. 

Pity the sorrows of a poor old man, 
Whose trembling limbs have borne him to your door; 
Whose days are dwindled to the shortest span ; 
Oh ! give relief, and Heav'n will bless your store. 

Who lives to nature, rarely can be poor ; 
Who lives to fancy, never can be rich. 

When young, life's journey I began, 

The glitt'ring prospect charm'd my eyes : 
saw, along th' extended plain, 
Joy after joy successive rise. 

Jut soon I found 'twas all a dream ; 

And learn'd the fond pursuit to shun ; 
Vhere few can reach the purpos'd aim, 

\nd thousands d.*i]v arc undone. 



34 fiXEKCJSKS'. 

*Tis greatly wise to talk with our past hours - 7 
And ask them, what report they bore to Heav'n. 

All nature is but art unknown to thee ; 

All chance, direction which thou canst not spe ; 

All discord, harmony not understood ; 

All partial evil, universal good. 

Heav'n's choice is safer than our own j 

Of ages past inquire, 
What the most formidable fate ; 

M To have our own desire." 

If ceaseless, thus, the fowls of Heav'n he feeds ; 
If o'er the fields such lucid robes he spreads ; 
Will he not care for you, ye faithless, say ? 
Is he unwise ? or, are ye less than they ? 

The spacious firmament on high, 
With all the blue ethereal sky, „ 
And spangled heav'ns, a shining frame, 
Their great Original proclaim : 
Th' unwearied sun, from day to day, 
Does his Creator's power display, 
And publishes to ev'ry land, 
The work of an Almighty hand. 

Soon as the ev'nmg shades prevail, 
The moon takes up the wond'rous tale ; 
And, nightly, to the list'ning earth, 
Repeats the story of her birth : 
Whilst all the stars that round her burn, 
And all the planets in their turn, 
Confirm the tidings as they roll, 
And spread the truth from pole to pole. 

What tho', in solemn silence, all 
Move round the dark terrestial ball ! 
What tho' no real voice nor sound, 
Amid their radiant orbs be found '. 
In reason's ear they all rejoice, 
And utter forth a glorious voice ; 
For ever singing as they shine, 
' The hand that made us is Divined 



PART II. 

EXERCISES IN ORTHOGRAPHY. 



CHAP. I. 

Containing instances of false Ortlwgraphy, arranged 
under the respective Rules. 

Grammar, p. 28. Key, p. 1. 



RULE I. 

•Monosyllables ending with f, I, or s, preceded by a 
single vowel, double the final consonant ; as, staff, mill, 
pass, fyc. TJie only exceptions are, of, if, as, is, has, 
was, yes, his, this, us, and thus. 

It is no great merit to spel properly ; but a great 
defect to do it incorrectly. 

Jacob worshiped his Creator, leaning on the top of 
his staf. 

We may place too little, as well as too much stres 
upon dreams. 

Our manners should be neither gros, nor exces- 
sively refined. 

RULE II. 

Monosyllables ending with any consonant but f, 1, or 
s, and preceded by a single vowel, never double the 
final consonant ; excepting only, add, ebb, butt, egg, 
odd, err, inn, bunn, purr, and buzz. 

Grammar, p. 28. Key, p. 2. 

A carr signifies a chariot of war, or a small carnage 

^fbarden, 



36 EXERC1S&S. 

In the names of droggs and plants, the mistake m 
a word many endanger life. 

Nor undelightful is the ceaseless humm 

To him who muses through the woods at noon. 

The finn of a fish is the limb, by which he ba* 
lances his body, and moves in the water. 

Many a trapp is laid to insnare the feet of youth 
Many thousand families are supported by the sim- 
ple business of making niatts. 

RULE III. 

Words ending with y, preceded by a consonant, fcfnn 
the plurals of nouns, the persons of verbs* verbal nouns, 
vast participles, comparatives, and superlatives, by 
changing y into i ; as spy, spies ; I carry, thou ear- 
nest; he carrieth or carries ; carrier, carried; Iiappy, 
happier, happiest. 

The present participle ing. retains the v, thai i ma;/ 
not be doubled ; as, . carry, carrying ; bury, bury- 
ing, 4rc. 

But y, preceded by a vowel, in such instances as ike 
above, is not changed; as boy, boys; I cloy, he cloys, 
cloyed, $c. ; except in lay, pay, and say ; from which 
are formed, laid, paid, and said ; and their compounds, 
unlaid, unpaid, unsaid, fyc. 

Grammar, p. 28. Key, p. 2. 
- 

We should subject iiur fancys to the government of 
reason. * 

If thou art seeking for the living amongst the dead, 
thou weariest thyself in vain. 

If we have denyed ourselves sinful pleasures, we 
shall be great gainers in the end. 

We shall not be the happyer for possessing talents 
and affluence, unless we make a right use of them. 

The truly good mind is not dismaled by poverty, 
afflictions or death, 






2^ 

my. 



OR rHOQRAI'Hi". H7 



RULE IV. 

Words ending with y, preceded by a consonant, upon 
assuming an additional syllable beginning with a con- 
sonant, commonly change y into i ; as, happy, happily, 
happiness. But when y is preceded by a vowel it is 
very rarely changed in the additional syllable ; as, coy, 
coyly; boy, boyish, boyhood; annoy, annoyed, annoy- 
ance; joy, joyless, joyful, $c. 

Grammar, p. 28. Key, p. 2. 

It is a great blessing to have a sound mind, unin- 
fluenced by fanctful humours. 

Common calamities, and common blessings, fall 
heavyly upon the envious. • 

The comelyness of youth are modesty and frank- 
ness ; of age, condescension and dignity. 

When we act against conscience, we become the i 
destroyers of our own peace. 

We may be plaiful, and yet innocent ; grave^and yet 
corrupt. It is only from general conduct, that our 
true character can be portraied. 

rule v. 

Monosyllables, and words accented on the last sylla- 
ble, ending ivith a single consonant preceded by a single 
vowel, double that consonant, when they take another 
syllable beginning with a vowel: as wit, witty; thin, 
thinnish ; to abet, an abettor ; to begin, a beginner. 

But if a diphthong precedes, or the accent is on the 
preceding syllable, the consonant remains single ; as, 
to toil, toiling ; to offer, an offering; maid, maiden, §c. 
Grammar, p. 28. Key, p. 3. 

When we bring the lawmaker into contempt, we 
have in effect annuled his laws. 

By defering our repentance, we accumulate our 
sorrows. 

The pupils of a certain ancient philosopher, were 
not, during their first years of study, permuted to ask 
any questions. 

We all have many faillings and lapses to iaiftei 



n 



m 



EXERCISER. 






There is no affliction with which we are visitted« 
that may not be improved to our advantage. 

The Christian Lawgiver has prohibitted manv 
things, which the heathen philosophers allowed. 

RULE VI. 

Words ending with any double letter hut 1, and 
taking ness, less, ly, or fui, after them, preserve the 
letter double : as, hannlessness, carelessness, care- 
lessly, stiffly, successful, distressful, $c. But those 
words which end with double 1, and take ness, less, ly, 
or ful, after them, generally omit one 1, as fulness, 
skilless, fully, skilful, fyc. 

Grammar, p. 23. Key, p. 3. 

Restlesness of mind disqualifies us, bothibr the en- 
joyment of peace, and the performance of our duty. 

The arrows of calumny fall harmlesly at the feet 
of virtue. 

The road to the blisful regions, is as open to the 
peasant as to the king. 

A dullness or shivering of the body generally pre- 
cedes a fever. 

To recommend virtue to others, our lights must 
shine brightly, not dully. 

The silent stranger stood amazM to see 
Contempt of wealth, and willful poverty. 

RULE VII. 

Ness, less, ly , and ful, added to words ending with si- 
lent e, do not cut it off : as, paleness, guileless, closely, 
peaceful, except in a few words : as, duly, truly, awful. 

The warmth of disputation, destroys"that sedatness 

of mind which is necessary to discover truth. 

All these with ceasless praise his works behold, 
Both day and night. 

In all our reasonings, our minds should be sincerly 
employed in the pursuit of truth. 

Rude behaviour, and indecent language, are pecu- 
Iia% disgracful to youth of education. 



OU1H0GKAFH*. 39 

The true worship of God is an important and awe- 
ftif service. 

Wisdom alone is truely fair : folly only appears so. 

RULE VIII. 

Ment, added to words ending with silent e, general- 
ly preserves the e from elision : as, abatement, chastise* 
ment, incitement, Qc. The words judgment, abridg- 
ment, acknowledgment, are deviations from the rule. 

Like other terminations it changes y into i, whenpre- 
aededbya consonant : as, accompany, accompaniment; 
merry, merriment. 

Grammar, p. 29. Key, p. 4. 

The study of the English language is making daily 
advancement. 

A judicious arrangment of studies facilitates im- 

provment. 

To shun allurments is not hard, 

To minds resolv'd, forewarned, and well prepar'd. 

RULE IX. 

Able and ible, when incorporated into moras ending 
with silent e, almost always cut it off : as, blame, 
blamable ; cure, curable ; sense, sensible, fyc. ; but if 
c or g soft comes before e in the original word 9 the e is 
then preserved in words compounded loith able : as 
change, changeable ; peace, peaceable, fyc. 

Grammar, p. 29. Key, p. 4. 

Every person and thing connected with self, is apt 
to appear good and desireable in our eyes. 

Errors and misconduct are more excuseable in 
ignorant, than in well-instructed persons. 

The divine laws are not reverseible by those of men. 

Gratitude is a forceible and active principle in good 
and generous minds. 

Our natural and involuntary defects of body, are 
not chargable upon us. 

We ere made to be servieable to others, as well as 
to ourselves 



40- EXERCISES. 

RULE X. 

When ing or ish is added to words ending ivitl s-i- 
lent e, the e is almost universally omitted: as, place, 
placing; lodge, lodging; slave, slavish; prude, 
prudish. 

An obligeing and humble disposition, is totally un- 
connected with a servile and cringeing humour. 

By solaceing the sorrows of others, the heart is im- 
proved, at the same time that our duty is performed. 

Labour and expense are lost upon a droneish spirit. 

The inadvertences of youth may' be excused, but 
knaveish tricks should meet with severe reproof. 

RULE XI. 

Words taken into composition, often drop those let- 
ters tvhich Were superfluous in their simples : as, hand- 
ful, dunghil, withal, also, chilblain, fortel. 
Grammar, p 29. Key, p 5. 

Love worketh no ill to our neighbour, and is the 
f ullfilling of the law. 

That which is sometimes expedient, is not all- 
ways so. 

We may be hurtfuil to others, by our example, as 
well as by personal injuries. 

Where diligence opens the door of the understand- 
ing, and impartiality keeps it, truth finds an entrance 
and a wellcome too. 

CHAP. II. 

Containing instances of false Orthography, promis- 
cuously disposed. 
S§e the Key, p. 5, 
As the learners must be supposed to be tolerably 
versed in the spelling of words in very familiar use, 
the compiler has generally selected, for the following 
exercises, such words as are less obviously erroneous, 
and in the use of which; young persons are more likely 
to commit mistakes. Though the instances which he 



ORTHOGRAPHY 41 

gives of these deviations are not very numerous, yet, 
it is presumed, they are exhibited with sufficient 
variety, to show the necessity of care and attention in 
combining letters and syllables; and to excite the 
ingenious student to investigate the principles and 
rules of our Orthography, as well as to distinguish the 
exceptions and variations which every where attend 
them. 

In rectifying these exercises, the Compiler has been 
governed by Doctor Johnson's Dictionary, as the 
standard of propriety. This work is, indisputably, 
the best authority for the Orthography of the English 
language ; though the author, in some instances, has 
made decisions, which are not generally approved 
and for w T hich it is not easy to account. 

SECT. I. 

Key, p. 5. 

Neglect no oppurtunity of doing good. 
No man can stedily build upon accidents. 

How shall we keep, what sleeping" or awake, 
A weaker may surprize, a stronger take ? 

Neither time nor misfortunes should eraze the re- 
member ance of a friend. 

Moderation should preside, both in the kitchin and 
the parlor. 

Shall we recieve good at the Divine hand, and shall 
we not recieve evil ? 

In many designs, we may succede and be miserable. 

We should have sence and virtue enough to receed 
from our demands, when they appear to be unreson- 
able. 

All our comforts precede from the Father of Good- 
ness. 

The ruin of a state is generally preceeded by a uni- 
versal degenaracy of manners, and a contempt of re- 
ligion. 

D2 



43 . exercises. Promiscuous. 

His father omited nothing in his education, that 
might render him virtuous and usefull. 

The daw in the fable was dressed in pilferred orna- 
ments. 

A favor confered with delicacy, doubles the obliga- 
tion. 

They tempted their Creator, and limitted the Holy 
One of Izrael. 

The precepts of a good education have often re- 
cured in the time ofneed. 

We are frequently benefitted by what we have 
dreaded. 

It is no great xartue to live loveingly with good na- 
tured and meek persons. 

The Christian religion gives a more lovly character 
of God, than any religion ever did. 

Without sinsterous views, they are dextrous mana- 
gers of their own interest. 

Any thing commited to the trust and care of ano- 
ther, is a deposit. 

Here finnish'd he, and all that he had made 
VieuM and beheld ! All was intirely good. 

It deserves our best skil to enquire into those rules 
by which we may guide our judgement. 

Food, clotheing, and habitations, are the rewards of 
industry. 

If we lie no restraint upon our lusts, no controul 
upon our apetites and passions, they will hurry us 
Into guilt and misery. 

An Independant is one who, in religious affairs, 
holds that every congregation is a compleat Church. 

Receive his council, and securly move : 
Entrust thy fortune to the Power above. 

Following life in cretures we disect, 
We lose it in the moment we detect. 

The acknowledgement of onr transgressions must 
precede the forgivnsss of them. 

Judicious abridgements often aid the studys of youth* 



Promiscuous. orthography. 43 

Examine how thy humor is enclin'd, 

And which the ruleing passion of thy mind. 



-He faulters at the question : 



His fears, his words, his looks, declare him guilty. 

Calicoe is a thin cloth made of cotton ; sometimes 
stained with lively colors. » 

To promote iniquity in others, is nearly the same 
as being the acters of it ourselvs. 

The glasier's business was unknown to the antients. 

The antecedant, in grammer, is the noun or pronoun 
to which the relative refers. 

SECT. II. 

Key, p. 7. 

Be not afFraid of the wicked : they are under the 
controul of Providence. Consciousness of guilt may 
justly afright us. 

Convey to others no inteligence which you would 
be ashamed to avow. 

Many are weighed in the ballance, and found wanting. 

How many disapointments have, in their conse- 
quences, saved a man from ruin ! 

A well-poised mind makes a chearful countenance. 

A certain housholder planted a vinyard, but the 
men imployed in it made ungratefull returns. 

Let us show dilligence in every laudible under- 
taking. 

Cinamon is the fragrant bark of a low tree in the 
Hand of Ceylon. 

A ram will but with his head, though he be brought 
up tame, and never saw the action. 

We percieve a piece of silver in a bason, when 
water is poured on it, though we could not discover 
it before. 

Virtue imbalms the memory of the good. 

The king of Great-Brittain is a iimitted monarch ; 
and the Brittish nation a free people. 



44 ttXEKdSES. (Promiscuous, 

The phisician may dispence the medicin, but Pro- 
vidence alone can bless it. 

In many persuits we imbark tvith pleasure, and land 
sorrowfully. 

Rocks, mountains, and caverns, are of indispensi- 
ble use, both to the earth and to man. 

The hive of a city, or kingdom, is in the best con- 
dition when their is the least noize or buz in it. 

The roughnesses found on our enterance into the 
paths of virtue and learning, grow smoother as we ad- 
vance. 

That which was once the most beautifull spot of Italy, 
coverred with pall aces, imbellished by princes, and 
cellebrated by poets, has now nothing to show but ruins. 

Batterring rams were antiently used to beat down 
the walls of a city. 

Jocky signifies a man who rides horses in a race ; 
or who deals in horses. 

The harmlesness of many animals, and the injoy- 
ment which they have of life, should plead for them 
against cruel useage. 

We may be very buzy, to no usefull purpose. 

We cannot plead in abatment of our guilt, that we 
are ignorent of our duty. 

Genuine charaty, how liberal soever it may be, will 
never impoverish ourselves. If we sew sparingly, we 
shall reap acordingly. 

However disagreable, we must resolutly perform 
our duty. 

A fit of sickness is often a kind chastisment and dis- 
ciplin, to moderate our affections for the things of 
this life. 

It is a happyness to young persons, when they are 
preserved from the snares of the world, as in a gar- 
den inclosed. 

Health and peace, the most valueable posessions, 
are obtained at small expence. 

Incence signifies perfumes exhalled by fire, and 
m?^e use of in religious ceremonies. 



Promiscuous,) orthography. 4< 

True happyness is an ennemy to pomp and noize. 
Few reflexions are more distresing, than those 
which we make on our own ingratitude. 

There is an inseperable connection between piety 

and virtue. . 

Many actions have a fair compaction, which have 
not sprung from virtue. 

Which way soever we turn ourselvs, we are in- 
countered with sensable demonstrations of a Deity. 

If we forsake the ways of virtue we cannot alledge 
any color of ignorance, or want of instruction. 

SECT. III. 

Key, p. 9. 

There are more cultivates of the earth, than 01 
their own hearts. 

Man is incompassed with dangers innumerable. 

War is attended with distresful and dessolating effects. 
It is confesedly the scorge of our angry passions. 

The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. 

The harvest truley is plenteous, but the laborers 

are few. 

The greater our incitments to evil, the greater will 

be our victory and reward. 

We should not incourage persons to do what they 
beleive to be wrong. 

Virtue is placed between two extreams, which are 
both equally blameable. 

We should continually have the gaol in our view, 
which would direct us in the race. 

The goals were forced open, and the prisoners set free . 

It cannot be said that we are charitibie doners, 
when our gifts proceed from selfish motives. 

Straight is the gate, and narrow the way, that lead 
to life eternal. 

Integrity leads us strait forward, disdaining ail 
doubleings. and crooked paths. 



46 «. exercises. (Promiscuous. 

Licenciousness and crimes pave the way to ruin. 

Words are the countres of wise men, but the mo* 
ney of fools. 

Recompence to no man evil for evil. 

He was an excellent pers^ff; a mirrour of antient 
faith in early youth. 

Meekness controuls our angry passions; candor, 
our severe judgements. 

He is not only a descend ent from pious ancestors, 
but an inheriter too of their virtues. 

A dispensatory is the place where medicines are 
dispensed : a dispensary is a book in which the com- 
position of them is described. 

Faithfulness and judgment are peculiarly requisit 
in testamentory executors. 

To be faithfull among the faithless, argues great 
strength of principal. 

Mountains appear to be like so many wens or 
unatural protuberancies on the face of the earth. 

In some places the sea incroaches upon the land ; 
in others, the land upon the sea. 

Philosophers agreed in despizing riches, as the in- 
cumberances of life. 

Wars are regulated robberries and pyracies. 

Fishes encrease more than beasts or birds, as ap- 
pears from their numrous spaun. 

The piramids of Egypt have stood more than three 
thousand years. 

Precepts have small influence, when not mforced 
by example. 

How has kind Heav'n adorn'd the happy land, 
And scattered blessings with a wastful hand 1 

A friend exaggarates a man's virtues, an enemy 
enflames his crimes. 

A witty and humourous vein has often produced 
ennemies. 

Neither pleasure nor buziness should ingross our 
time and affections ; proper seasons should be alotted 
for retirment 



PfWm&UOUS*) OATHOGAAPHV. 4? 

It is laudable to enquire before we determin. 
Many have been visitted with afflictions, who have 
not profitted by thern. 

We may be succesful, and yet disappointed. 

SECT. IV. 

Key, p. 11. 

The experience of want inhances the value of plenty. 

To maintain opinions stifly, is no evidence of their 
truth, or of our moderation. 

Horehound has been famous for its medecinal 
qualities ; but it is now little used. 

The wicked are often ensnared in the trap which 
they lie for others. 

It is hard to say what diseases are cureable : they 
are all under the guidence of Heaven. 

Instructors should not only be skillful in those 
sciences which they teach ; but have skil in the me- 
thod of teaching, and patience in the practise. 

Science strengthens and inlarges the minds of men 

A steady mind may receive council : but there is 
no hold on a changable humour. 

We may enure ourselves by custom, to bear the 
extremities of whether without injury. 

Excessive merryment is the parent of greif. 

Air is sensable to the touch by its motion, and by 
its resistence to bodies moved in it. 

A polite address is sometimes the cloke of malice. 

To practice virtue is the sure way to love it. 

Many things are plausable in theory, which fail in 
practise. 

Learning and knowlege must be attained by slow 
degrees : and are the reward only of diliigence and 
patience. 

We should study to live peacably with^ll men. 

A soul that can securly death defy, 
And count it nature's priviledge to die. 

Whatever promotes the interest of the soul, is also 
Qondusive to our present felicity. 



4$ exercises. (Fromiscuaus 

Let not the sterness of virtue afvight us ; she will 
soon become aimable. 

The spatious firmament on high, 
With all the hlue etheriel sky ? 
And spangled heavens a shineing frame, 
Their great Originel proelame. 

Passion is the drunkeness of the mind : it supercedes 
the workings of reason. 

, If we are sincere, we may be assured of an advo- 
cate to intersede for us. 

We ought not to consider the encrease of another's 
reputation, as a dimminution of our own. 

The ruematism is a painful distemper, supposed to 
procede from acrid humors. 

The beautiful and accomplished, are too apt to study 
behaivour rather than virtue. 

The peazant's cabbin contains as much content as 
the soverein's pallace. 

True valor protects the feeble, and humbles the 
oppresser. 

David, the son of Jesse, was a wise and valient man. 

Prophecies and miracles proclamed Jesus Christ 
to be the Savior of the world. 

Esau sold his birthright for a savory mess of pottage. 

A regular and virteous education, is an inesteem- 
able blessing. 

Honor and shame from no condition rise : 
Act well your part ; there, all the honor lies. 

The rigor of monkish disciplin often conceals great 
depravity of heart. 

We should recollect, that however favorable we may 
he to ourselves, we are rigourously examined by others. 

SECT. V. 

Key, p.. 13. 

Virtue can render youth, as well as old age, ho- 
norable. 

Rumor often tells false tales. 

Weak minds are rufled bv triffling things 



Promiscuous.) uiithoukapht. 49 

The cabage-tree is very common in the Caribbee 
Hands, where it grows to a prodigious heighth. 

Visit the sick, feed the hungry, death the naked. 

His smiles and tears are too arthitial to be relied on. 

The most essensial virtues of a Christian, are love 
to God and benevolence to man. 

We should be chearful without levity. 

A calender signifies a register of the year ; and a ca- 
lendar, a press in which clothiers smooth their cloth. 

Integrity and hope are the sure paliatives of sorrow. 

Camomile is an odouriferous plant, and possesses 
considerable medicinel virtues. 

The gaity of youth should be tempered by the pre- 
cepts of age. 

Certainty, even on distresful occasions, is somtimes 

more elligible than suspence. 

Stili green with bays each antlent alter stands, 
Above the reach of sacriligious hands. 

The most acceptable sacrifice, is that of a contrite 
and humble heart. 

We are accountable for whatever we patronize in 
others. 

It marks a savage disposition, to tortur animals, to 
make them smart and agonise, for our diversion. 

The edge of cioath, where it is closed by compli- 
cating the threads, is called the selvidge. 

Soushong tea and Turky coffee were his favorite 
beveridge ; chocolade he seldom drank. 

The guilty mind cannot avoid many melancholly 
apprehensions. • 

If we injure others, we must expect retaliation. 

Let every man be fully perswaded in his own mind. 

Peace and honor are the sheeves of virtue's harvest. 

The black earth, every where obvious on the sur- 
face of the ground, we call mold, 

The Roman pontif claims to be the supream head 
of the church on earth. 

High-seasoned food viciates the pallate, and occa- 
sions a disrelish for p^in fare, 

ft 



50 exercises. (Promiscuous. 

The conscious receivor is as bad as the thief. 

Alexander, the conquerer of the world, was, in fact, 
a robber and a murderer. 

The Divine Being is not only the Greater, but 
the Ruler and Preservor, of the world. 

Honest endeavors, if persevered in, will finally be 
successful. 

He who dies for religion, is a martyr : he who suf- 
fers for it, is a confessour. 

In the paroxism of passion, we sometimes give oc- 
casion for a life of repentence. 

The mist which invelopes many studies, is dissi- 
pated when we approach them. 

The voice is sometimes obstructed by a hoarsness, 
or by viscuous phlegm. 

The desart shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. 

The fruit and sweatmeats set on table after the 
meat, are called the desert. 

We traversed the flowry fields, till the falling dews 
admonished us to return. 

SECT. VI. 

Key, p. 15. 

There is frequently a worm at the root of our most 
florishing condition. 

The stalk of ivey is tough, and not fragil. 

The roof is vaulted, and distills fresh water from 
every part of it. 

Our imperfections are discernable by others, when 
we think tiiey are concealed. 

They think they shall be heared for there much 
speaking. 

True criticizm is not a captious, but a liberal art. 

Integrity is our best defense against the evils of life. 

No circumstance can licence evil or dispence with 
the rules of virtue. 

We may be cyphers in the world's estimation, 
whilst we are advancing our own and others's value. 

The path of vertiue is the path of pea<^ 



Promiscuous.) obthoqiuphy- 51 

A dipthong is the coilition of two vowels to form 
one sound. 

However forceable our temptations, they may be 
resisted. 

I acknowlege my transgression; and my sin is 
ever before me. 

The colledge of cardinals are the electers of the 
pope. 

He had no colorable excuse to palliate his conduct. 

Thy humourous vein, thy pleasing Tolly, 
Lie all neglected, all forgot. 

If we are so conceited as obstinatly to reject all ad- 
vice, we must expect a direliction of friends. 

Cronology is the science of computeing and ajusting 
the periods of time. 

In groves we live, and lay on mossy beds, 

By chrystal streams, that murmer thro' the meads. 

It is a secret cowardise which induces us to com- 
plement the vices of our superiors, to applaud the 
libertin, and laugh with the prophane. 

The lark each morning waked me with her spritely 
lay. 

There are no fewer than thirty-two species of the 
lilly, 

We owe it to our visitors as well as to ourselves, to 
entertain them with useful and sensable conversation. 

Sponsers are those who become sureties for the 
children's education in the christian faith. 

The worrier's fame is often purchased by the blood 
oT thousands. 

Hope exhilerates the mind, and is the grand elixer ? 
under all the evils of life. 

The incence of gratitude, whilst it expresses our 
duty, and honors our benefacter, perfumes and regailB 
ourselves. 



PART III 

EXERCISES IN SYNTAX. 



CHAP, I. 

Containing instances of fake Syntax, disposed under 
the particular Rules, 



RULE I. 

A verb must agree with its nominative case, in num- 
ber and person : as, "I learn;" "Thou art improv- 
ed; 79 " The birds sing." 

Grammar, p. 97. Key, p. 18. 

Disappointments sinks the heart of man ; but the 
renewal of hope give consolation. 

The smiles that encourage severity of judgment 
hides malice and insincerity. 

He dare not act contrary to his instructions. 

Fifty pounds of wheat contains forty pounds of flour. 

The mechanism of clocks and watches, were total- 
ly unknown a few centuries ago. 

Thj number of inhabitants of Great Britain and 
Ireland, do not exceed sixteen millions. 

Nothing but vain and foolish pursuits delirht some 
persons. 

A variety of pleasing objects charm the eye. 

So much both of ability and merit are seldom found. 

In the conduct of Parmenio a mixture of wisdom 
and foHy were very conspicuous 

He is an author of more credit than Plutarch, or 
any other that write lives too hastily. 

The inquisitive and curious is generally talkative. 

Great pains has been taken to reconcile the parties. 

I am sorry to say it, but there was more equlvo* 
cators than one. 

The sincere is alwavs esteemed. 



Has the goods been sold to advantage? and did 
thou embrace the proper season 1 ^ _ 

There is- many occasions in life, in which silence 
and simplicity is true wisdom. 

The generous never recounts minutely the actions 
they have done ; nor the prudent, those they will do. 

He need not proceed *n such haste. 

The business that related to ecclesiastical meetings, 
matters, and persons, were to'be ordered according to 
the king's direction. ■ # 

Li him were happily blended true dignity with soft- 
ness oi manners. 

The support of so many of his relations, were a 
heavy tax upon his industry : but thou knows he paid 

it cheerfully. • 

What avail! the best sentiments, if persons do not 

live suitably to them 1 

Reconciliation was offered, on conditions as mo- 
derate as was consistent with a permanent union. 

Not one of them whom thou sees clothed in pur 
pie, are completely happy. 

And the tame of this person, and of his wonderful 
actions, were diffused throughout the country. 

The variety of the productions of genius, like that 
of the operations of nature, are without limit. 
In vain our flocks and fields increase our store, 
When our abundance make us wish for more. 

Thou should love thy neighbour as sincerely as thou 

loves thyself. . . 

Has thou no better reason for censuring thy friend 

and companion I 

Thou, who art the Author and Bestower of life, can 
doubtless restore it also : but whether thou will please 
to restore it, or not, that thou only knows. 

thou my voice inspire, 

Who toueh'd Isaiah's hallo w'd lips with fire. 

Accept these grateful tears ; for thee they flow ; 

For thee that ever felt another's wo 

Just to thy word, in ev'ry thought sincere j 

Who knew no wish but what the world might hear, 

E2 / 



54 BffBiifiiBr (Rule, I, 

The following examples are adapted to the notes and 

observations under rule r. 

Grammar, p. 98. Key, p. 29. 

1* To do unto all men, as we would that they in 
similar circumstances should do unto us, constitute 
the great principle of virtue. 

From a fear of the world's censure, to be ashamed 
of the practice of precepts, which the heart approves 
and embraces, mark a feeble and imperfect character. 

The erroneous opinions which we form concerning 
happiness and misery, givel rise to all the mistaken 
and dangerous passions that embroil^ our life. 

To" live soberly, righteously, and piously, are re* 
quired of all men. 

That it is our duty to promote the purity of our 
minds and bodies, to be just and kind to our fellow- 
creatures, and to be pious and faithful to Him that 
made us, admit not of any doubt in a rational and well- 
inibrmed mind. 

To be of a pure and humble mind, to exercise be- 
nevolence towards others, to cultivate piety towards 
God, is the sure means of becoming peaceful and happy. 

It is an important truth, that religion, vital religion, 
the religion of the heart, are the most powerful aux- 
iliaries of reason, in waging war with the passions, 
and promoting that sweet composure which constitute 
the peace of God. 

The possession of our senses entire, of our limbs 
uninjured, of a sound understanding, of friends and 
companions, are often overlooked ; though it would be 
the ultimate w*sh of many, who, as far as we can 
judge, deserves it as much as ourselves. 

All that make a figure on the great theatre of the 
world, the employments of the busy, the enterprises 
of the ambitious, and the exploits of the warlike; the . 
virtues which forms the happiness, and the crimes 
which occasions th? misery of mankind ; originates 

* The examples under each rule are regularly numbered, to make 
them correspond to the respective subordinate rules in theGrammar 



Rule 2.) SYNTAX bb 

in that silent and secret recess of thought, which are 
hidden from every human eye. 

2. If the privileges to which he has an undoubted 
right, and he has long enjoyed, should now be wrest- 
ed from him, w'onld be flagrant injustice. 

These curiosities we have imported from China, 
and are similar to those which were some time ago 
brought from Africa. 

Will martial flames for ever fire thy mind, 
And never, never be to Heav'n resign'd ? 

3. Two substantives, when they come together, and 
do not signify the same thing, the former must be in 
the genitive case. 

Virtue, however it may be neglected for a time, 
men are so constituted as ultimately to acknowledge 
and respect genuine merit. 

4. The crown of virtue is peace and honour. 

His chief occupation and enjoyment were contro- 
versy. 

5, — ,-„ ■,., Him destroy'd, 
Or won to what may work his utter loss, 
All this will soon follow. 

Whose gray top 

Shall tremble, him descending*. 

RULE II. 

Two or more nouns, fyc. in the singular number, 
joined together by a copulative conjunction, expressed 
or understood, must h&e verbs , nouns, and pronouns, 
agreeing wif a them mine plural number: as, " Socrates 
and Plato were wise ; they were the most eminent phi- 
losophers of Greece;" " The sua that rolls over our 
heads, the food thai we receive, the rest that we enjoy, 
daily admonish us of a superior and a superintending 
power." 

Grammar, p. 100. Key, p. 22. 

Idleness and ignorance is the parent of many vices. 
Wisdom, virtue, happiness, dwells with the golden 
mediocrity. 

In unity consists the welfare and security of ftvery 

SOClftr 



56 EARftfiSEs (Rule 2 

Time and tide waits for no man. 

His politeness and good disposition was, on failure 
of their effect, entirely changed. 

Patience and diligence, like faith, removes moun- 
tains. 

Humility and knowledge, with poor apparel, ex- 
cels pride and ignorance under costly attire. 

The planetary system, boundless space, and the im- 
mense ocean, affects the mind with sensations of 
astonishment. 

Humility and love, whatever obscurities may in- 
volve religious tenets, constitutes the essence of true 
religion. 

Religion and virtue, our best support and highest 
honour, confers on the mind principles of noble inde- 
pendence. 

What signifies the counsel and care of preceptors, 
when youth think they have no need of assistance 1 
The examples which follow are suited to the notes and 
observations under rule II. 
-•Grammar, p. 100. Key, p. 22. 

1. Much does human pride and self-complacency 
require correction. 

Luxurious living, and high pleasures, begets a 
languor and satiety that destroys all enjoyment 

Pride and self-sufficiency stifles sentiments of depen- 
dence on our Creator : levity sqtd attachment to worldly 
pleasures, destroys the sense of gratitude to him. 

2. Good order in our affairs, not mean savings, 
produce great profits. 

The following treatise, together with those that 
accompany it, were written many yeais ago, for my J 
own private satisfaction. 

That great senator, in concert with several other emi- 
nent persons, were the projectors of the revolution. 

The religion of these people, as well as their cus- 
toms and manners, were strangely misrepresented. 

Virtue, joined to knowledge and wealth, confer 
great influence and respectability. But knowledge. 



link 3.; E ax. 57 

with wealth united, if virtue is wanting, have a very 
limited influence, and are often despised. 

That superficial scholar and critic, like some re- 
nowned critics of our own, have furnished most de- 
cisive proofs, that they know not the characters of 
the Hebrew language. 

The buildings of the institution have been enlarg- 
ed : the expense of which, added to the increased 
price of provisions, render it necessary to advance the 
terms of admission. 

One, added to nineteen make twenty. 

What black despair, what horror, fills his mind ! 

3. Thou, and the gardener, and the huntsman, 
must share the blame of this business amongst them. 

My sister and I, as well as my brother, are daily 
employed in their respective occupations. 

RULE III. 

The conjunction disjunctive has an effect contrary 
to that of the conjunction copulative ; for as the verb, 
noun, or pronoun, is referred to the preceeding terms 
taken separately, it must be in the singular number : 
as, "Ignorance or negligence has caused this mistake;" 
" John, James, or Joseph, intends to accompany me ;" 
" There is, in many minds, neither knowledge nor un- 
derstanding." 

Grammar, p. 102. Key, p. 23. 

Man's happiness, or misery, are, in a great measure 
put into his own hands. 

Man is not such a machine as a clock or a watch, 
which move merely as they are moved. 

Despise no infirmity of mind or body, nor any con- 
dition of life : for they are, perhaps to be your own lot. 

Speaking impatiently to servants, or any thing that 
betrays inattention or ill-humour are certainly criminal. 

There are many faults in spelling, which neither 
analogy nor pronunciation justify. 

When sickness, infirmity, or reverse of fortune af- 
fect us, the sincerity of friendship is proved. 

Let it be remembered, that it is not the uttering, or 



58 exercises. (Rule 4* 

the hearing of certain words, that constitue the wor- 
ship of the Almighty. 

A tart reply, a proneness to rebuke, or a captious 
and contradictious spirit, are capable of imbittering 
domestic life, and of setting friends at variance. 
The following sentences exemplify the notes and obser- 
vations under rule hi. 
Grammar, p. 102. Key, p. 24. 

1. Either thou or I art greatly mistaken, in our 
judgment on this subject. 

I or thou am the person who must undertake the 
business proposed. 

2. Both of the scholars, or one of them at least, 
was present at the transaction. 

Some parts of the ship and cargo were recovered ; 
but neither the sailors nor the captain, was saved. 

Whether one person or more was concerned in the 
business, does not yet appear. 

The cares of this life, or the deceitfulness of riches, 
has choked the seeds of virtue in many a promising 
mind. 

rule iv. 

A noun of multitude, or signifying many, may have 
a verb or pronoun agreeing with it, either of the sin- 
gularor plural number ; yet not without regard to the 
import of the word, as conveying unity or plurality of 
idea : as, " The meeting was lagre ;" " The parlia- 
ment is dissolved ;" " The nation is powerful ;" " JMy 
people do not consider : they have not known me ;" 
" The multitude eagerly pursue pleasure as their chief 
good ;" " The council were divided in their sentiments " 
Grammar, p. 102. Key, p. 24. 

The people rejoices, in tnat which should give it 
sorrow. 

The flock, and not the fleece, are, or ought to be, 
the objects of the shepherd's care. 

The court have just ended, after having sat through 
the trial of a verv long 1, cause 



Rule 5.) syxNtax. 59 

The crowd were so great, that the judges with dif- 
ficulty made their way through them. 

The corporation of York consist of a mayor, al- 
dermen, and a common council. 

The British parliament are composed of king, lords, 
and commons. 

When the nation complain, the rulers should listen 
to their voice. 

In the days of youth, the multitude eagerly pursues 
pleasure as its chief good. 

The church have no power to inflict corporal pu- 
nishment. 

The fleet were seen sailing up the channel. 

The regiment consist of a thousand men. 

The meeting have established several salutary re- 
gulations. 

The council was not unanimous, <ind it separated 
without coming to any determination. 

The fleet is all arrived and moored in safety. 

This people draweth near to me with their mouth, 
and honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is 
far from me. 

The committee was divided in its sentiments, and 
it has referred the business to the general meeting. 

' The committee were very full when this point was 
decided : and their judgment has not been called in 
question. 

Why do this generation wish for greater evidence, 
when so much is already given ? 

The remnant of the people were persecuted with 
great severity. 

Never were any people so much infatuated as the 
Jewish nation. 

The shoal of herrings were of an immense extent. 

No society are chargeable with the disapproved 
misconduct of particular members. 
rule v. 

Pronouns must always agree with their antecedents •, 
and the renins for which fh-ey stdna% in gender and 



60 exercises. {Rule 4. 

number : as, " This is the friend whom Hove ; w " T7m 
is the vice which I hale ;" " Tlie king and the queen 
had put on their robes;" " The moon appears, and she 
shines, but the light is not her own" 

The relative is of the same person as the antece- 
dent, and the verb agrees with it accordingly : as, 
" Thou who lovest wisdom;" " I who speak from ex- 
perience." 

Grammar, p. 103. Key, p. 26. 

The exercise of reason appears as little in these 
sportsmen, as in the beasts whom they sometimes 
hunt, and by whom they are sometimes hunted. 

They which seek wisdom will certainly find her. 

The male amongst birds seems to discover no beauty 3 
but in the colour of its species. 

Take handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses 
sprinkle it towards heaven, in the sight ■ of Pharaoh ; 
and it shall become small dust. 

Rebecca took goodly raiment, which were with 
her in the house, and put them upon Jacob. 

The wheel killed another man, which is the sixth 
which have lost their lives, by this means. 

The fair sex, whose task is not to mingle in the la- 
bours of public life, has its own part assigned it to act. 

The Hercules man of war foundered at sea; she 
overset, and lost most of her men. 

The mind of man cannot be long without some food 
to nourish the activity of his thoughts. 

What is the reason that our language is less refined 
than those of Italy, Spain, or France? 

I do not think any one should incur censure for 
being tender of their reputation. 

Thou who has been a witness of the fact, can give 
an account of it. 

In religious concerns, or what is conceived to be 
such, every man must stand or fall by the decision of 
the Great Judge. 

Something like what have been here premised are 
the conjectures of Dryden. 



Rule 5.) syntax. 61 

Thou great First Cause, least understood 2 

Who all my sense confinM 
To know buttnis, that thou art good, 

And that myself am blind : 
YeUgave me in this dark estate, &c. 

What art thou, speak, that, on designs unknown, 
While others sleep, thus range the camp alone. 

The following examples are adapted to the notes and 
observations under rule v. 
Grammar, p. H)4. Key, p* 27. 
I. Whoever entertains such an opinion, he judges 
erroneously. 

The cares of this world they often choke the growth 
of virtue. 

Disappointments and afflictions, however disagreea- 
ble, they often improve us. 

2. Moses was the meekest man whom we read of in 
the Old Testament. 

Humility is one of the most amiable virtues which 

we can possess. 
They are the same persons who assisted* us yesterday. 
The men and things which he has studied have not 

improved hie morals. 

3. Howsoever beautiful they appear, they have 210 
real merit. 

In whatsoever light -we view him, his conduct will 
bear inspection. 

On whichsoever side they are contemplated, they 
appear to advantage. 

However much he might despise the maxims of the 
king's administration, he kept a total silence on that 
subject 

4. Which of them two persons has most distin- 
guished himself? 

None more impatiently suffer injuries, than those 
that are most forward in doing them. 

5. He would not be persuaded but what I was 
greatly in fault. 

These commendations of his children, appear to 
have been made in somewhat an injudicious manner, 

F 



62 EXERCISES. {Rule ti 

6. He instructed and fed the crowds who sui v 
**ounded him* 

Sidney was one of the wisest and most active go- 
vernors, which Ireland had enjoyed for several years 

He was the ablest minister which James ever pos- 
sessed. 

The court, who gives currency to manners, ought 
to be exemplary. 

I am happy in the friend which I have long proved. 

7. The child whom we have just seen, is whole- 
somely fed, and not injured by bandages or clothing. 

He is like a beast of prey, who destroys without pity. 

8. Having once disgusted h*m, he could never re- 
*ain the favour of Nero, who was indeed another name 
,^r cruelty. 

Flattery, whose nature is to deceive and betray, 
should be avoided as the poisonous adder. 
Who of these men came to his assistance ? 

9. The king dismissed his minister without any in- 
quiry ; who had never before committed so unjust an 
action. 

There are millions of people in the empire of China, 
whose support is derived almost entirely from rice. 

10. It is remarkable his continual endeavours to 
serve us, notwithstanding our ingratitude. 

It is indisputably true his assertion, though it is a 
paradox. 

Ah ! unhappy thee, who art deaf to the calls of 
duty, and of honour. 

Oh ! happy we, surrounded with so many blessings. 

RULE VI. 

The relative is the nominative case to the verb, when 
no nominative case comes between it and the verb : a$ 9 
ci The master who taught us;" " The trees which are 
'planted" 

When a nominative comes between the relative and 

the verb, the relative is governed by some word in it* 

van member of the sentence : as, cc He wlio preserves 



Ride 7.) si N tax. 63 

me, to whom I owe my being, whose lam, and whom I 
serve, is eternal." 

Grammar, p. 107. Key, p. 29. 

We are dependent on each other's assistance : 
whom is there that can subsist by himself? 

If he will not hear his best friend, whom shall be 
sent to admonish him ? 

They, who much is given to, will have much to 
answer for. 

It is not to be expected that they, whom in early 
life, have been dark and deceitful, should afterwards 
become fair and ingenuous. 

They who have laboured to make us wise and good, 
are the persons who we ought to love and respect, and 
who we ought to be grateful to. 

The persons, who conscience and virtue support, 
may smile at the caprices of fortune. 

From the character of those who you associate 
with, your own will be estimated. 

That is the student who I gave the book to, and 
whom, I am persuaded, deserves it. 

1. Of whom were the articles bought? Of a mer- 
cer ; he who resides near the mansion house. 

Was any person besides the mercer present ? Yes, 
ooth him and his clerk. 

Who was the money paid to ? To the mercer and 
his clerk. 

Who counted it ? Both the clerk and him. 

RULE VII. 

When the relative is preceded by two nominatives 
of different persons, the relative and verb may agree 
in person with either, according to the sense ; as, " / 
am the man who command you;" or, "lam the man 
who commands you." 

Grammar, p. 108. Key, p. 30. 

I acknowledge that I am the teacher, who adopt that 
sentiment, and maintains the propriety of such mea* 
sures. 

Thou art a friend that hast often reUeved me, and 



C4 



EXERCISES. 



(Ride 8 

that has not deserted me now in the time of peculiar 
need. 

I am the man who approves of wholesome discipline, 
and who recommend it to others ; but I am not a 
person who promotes useless severity, or who object 
to mild and generous treatment. 

I perceive that thou art a pupil, who possesses bright 
parts, but who has cultivated them but little. 

Thou art he who breathest on the earth with the 
breath of spring, and who covereth it with verdure and 
beauty. 

I am the Lord thy God, who teacheth thee to profit, 
and who lead thee by the way thou shouldst go. 

Thou art the Lord who did choose Abraham, and 
broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees. 

RULE VIII. 

Every adjective, and every adjective pronoun, belongs 
to a substantive expressed or understood; as, "He is 
a good, as well as a wise man ;" " Few are happy ;" 
that is, "persons;" " This is a pleasant walk ;» that 
is, u this walk is," §c. 

Adjective pronouns must agree, in number, with their 
substantives, as, " This book, these books : that sort, 
those sorts; another road, other roads." 

Grammar, p. 108. Key, p. SO. 
These kind of indulgences soften and injure the mind. 
Instead of improving yourselves, you have been play* 
ing this two hours. 

Those sort of favours did real injury, under the ap- 
pearance of kindness. 

The chasm made by the earthquake was twenty foot 
broad, and one hundred fathom in depth. 

How many; a sorrow should we avoid, if we were not 
industrious to make them ! 

He saw one or more persons enter the garden. 

The examples which follow, are suited to the notes and 
observations under rule vjit. 



Rule 8.) syntax, 65 

Grammar, p. 109. Key, p. Si. 
1. ADJECTIVE PRONOUNS.* 

1. Charles was extravagant, and by this mean be- 
came poor and despicable. 

It was by that ungenerous mean that he obtained 
his end. 

Industry is the mean of obtaining competency. 

Though a promising measure, it is a mean which I 
cannot adopt. 

This person embraced every opportunity to display 
his talents ; and by these means rendered himself ri- 
diculous. 

Joseph was industrious, frugal, and discreet ; and 
by this means obtained property and reputation. 

2. Religion raises men above themselves ; irreligion 
sinks them beneath the brutes ; that, binds them down 
to a poor pitiable speck of perishable earth ; this, opens 
for them a prospect to the skies. 

More rain falls in the first two summer months, than 
in the first two winter ones : but it makes a much 
greater show upon the earth in those than in these ; 
because there is a much slower evaporation. 

Rex and Tyrannus are of very different characters. 
The one rules his people by laws to which they con- 
sent ; the other, by his absolute will and power : this 
is called freedom, that, tyranny. 

3. Each of them, in their turn, receive the benefits 
to which they are entitled. 

My counsel to each of you is, that you should make 
it your endeavour to come to a friendly agreement. 

By discussing what relates to each particular, in 
their order, we shall better understand the subject. 

Every person, whatever be their station, are bound 
by the duties of morality and religion. 

Every leaf, every twig, every drop of water, teem 
with life. 



* See the Grammar, Rule yia. of JSvntax. 



60 EXERCisfis. {HuU fe. 

Every man's heart and temper is productive of much 
inward joy or bitterness. 

Whatever he undertakes, either his pride or his folly 
disgust us. 

Every man and every woman were numbered. 

Neither of those men seem to have any idea, that 
their opinions may be ill-founded. 

When benignity and gentleness reign within, we 
are always least in hazard from without : every person, 
and every occurrence, are beheld in the most favour- 
able light. 

On either side of the river was there the tree of life. 

11./ ADJECTIVES. 

4. She reads proper, writes very neat, and compo- 
ses accurate. 

lie was extreme prodigal, and his property is now 
near exhausted. 

They generally succeeded ; for they lived conform- 
able to the rules of prudence. 

We may reason very clear, and exceeding strong, 
without knowing that there is such a thing as a syllo- 
gism. 

He had many virtues, and was exceeding beloved. 

The amputation was exceeding well performed, and 
saved the patient's life. 

He came agreeable to his promise, and conducted 
himself suitable to the occasion. 

He speaks very fluent, reads excellent, but does not 
think very coherent. 

He behaved himself submissive, and was exceeding 
careful not to give offence. 

They rejected the advice, and conducted themselves 
exceedingly indiscreetly. 

He is a person of great abilities, and exceeding up- 
right : and is like to be a very useful member of the 
community. 

The conspiracy was the easier discovered, from its 
being known to many, 



Hints. sv.n 67 

Xot being fully acquainted with the subject, he could 
affirm no stronger than he did. 

He was so deeply impressed with the subject, that 
few could speak nobler upon it. 

We may credit his testimony, for he says express, 
that he saw the transaction. 

Use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thine 
often infirmities. 

From these favourable beginnings, we may hope for 
a soon and prosperous issue. 

He addressed several exhortations to them suitably 
to their circumstances. 

Conformably to their vehemence of thought, was 
their vehemence of gesture. 

We shoidd implant in the minds of youth, such seeds 
and principles of piety and virtue, as are likely to take 
soonest and deepest root. 

Such an amiable disposition will secure universal re- 
gard. 

Such distinguished virtues seldom occur. 

5. J Tis more easier to build two chimneys than to 
maintain one. 

The tongue is like a race-horse ; which runs the 
faster the lesser weight it carries. 

The pleasures of the understanding are more prefer- 
able than those of the imagination, or of sense. 

The nightingale sings : hers is the most sweetest 
voice in the grove. 

The Most Highest hath created us for his glory, and 
for our own happiness. 

The Supreme Being is the most wisest, and most 
powerfullest, and the most best of beings. 

6. Yirtue confers the supremest dignity on man ; and 
should be his chiefest desire. 

His assertion was more true than that of his oppo- 
nent ; nay, the words of the latter were most untrue. 

His work is perfect ; his brother's more perfect ; 
and his father's tb-° most, perfect of all. 



68* isxEKusES. (Hule 9* 

He gave the fullest and the most sincere proof of the 
truest friendship. 

7. A talent of this kind would, perhaps, prove the 
likeliest of any other to succeed. 

He is the strongest of the two, but not the wisest. 
He spoke with so much propriety, that I understood 
him the best of all the others, who spoke on the subject. 
Eve was the fairest of all her daughters. 

8. He spoke in a distinct enough manner to be 
heard by the whole assembly. , 

Thomas is equipped with a new pair of shoes, and 
a new pair of gloves : he is the servant of an old rich 
man. 

The two first in the row are cherry-trees, the two 
others are pear-trees. 

RULE IX. 

The article a or an agrees with nouns in the singu- 
lar number only, individually or collectively : as, " a 
Christian, an infidel, a score, a thousand" 

The definite article the may agree loilh nouns in the 
singular or plural number : as, " The gardens, the 
houses, the stars.' 7 

The articles are often properly omitted ; when used, 
they should be justly applied, according to their distinct 
nature : as, " Gold is corrupting ; The sea is green ; 
A Hon is bold." 

Grammar, p. 115. Key, p. 35. 

The fire, the air, the earth, and the water, are four 
elements of the philosophers. 

Reason was given to a man to control his passions. 

We have within us an intelligent principle, distinct 
from body and from matter. 

A man is the noblest work of creation. 

Wisest and best men sometimes commit errors. 

Beware of drunkenness : it impairs understanding ; 
wastes an estate ; destroys a reputation ; consumes the 
body ; and renders the man of the brightest parts the 
common jest of the meanest clown, 



He is a much better writer than a reader. 

The king has conferred on him the title of a duke. 

There are some evils of life, which equally affect 
prince and people. 

We must act our part with a constancy, though re- 
ward of our constancy be distant. 

We are placed here under a trial of our virtue. 

The virtues like his are not easily acquired. Such 
qualities honour the nature of man. 

Purity has its seat in the heart ; but extends its in- 
fluence over so much of outward conduct, as to form 
the great and material part of a character. 

The profligate man is seldom or never found to be 
the good husband, the good father, or the beneficient 
neighbour. 

True charity is not the meteor, which occasionally 
glares ; but the luminary, which, in its orderly and 
regular course, dispenses benignant influence. 

The following sentences exemplify the notes and obser- 
vations under rule ix. 
Grammar, p. 116. Key, p. 3.7. 

1. He has been much censured for conducting 
himself with a little attention to his business. 

So bold a breach of order, called for little severity 
in punishing the offender. 

His error was accompanied with so little contrition 
and candid acknowledgment, that he found a few 
persons to intercede for him. 

There were so many mitigating circumstances at- 
tending his misconduct, particularly that of his open 
confession, that he found few friends who were dis- 
posed to interest themselves in his favour. 

As his misfortunes were the fruit of his own ob- 
stinacy, a few persons pitied him. 

2. The fear of shame, and desire of approbation, 
prevent many bad actions. 

In this business he was influenced by a just and 
generous principle. 



70 exercises. (Rule au. 

He was fired with desire of doing something, though 
he knew not yet, with distinctness, either end or means. 
3. At worst, I could but incur a gentle reprimand. 
At best, his gift was but a poor offering, when we 

consider his estate. 

RULE X. 

One substantive governs another, signifying a dif- 
ferent thing, in the possessive or genitive case : as, 
"My father's house;' 7 "Marts happiness;" " Vir* 
iue's reward." 

Grammar, p. 117. Key, p. 36. 

My ancestors virtue is not mine. 

His brothers offence will not condemn him. 

I will not destroy the city for ten sake. 

Nevertheless, Asa his heart was perfect with the 
Lord. 

A mothers tenderness and a fathers care are natures 
gifts' for mans advantage. 

A mans manner's frequently influence his fortune. 

Wisdoms precepts' form the good mans interest 
and happiness. 

They slew Varus, he that was mentioned before. 
They slew Varus, who was him that I mentioned 
before. 

Tlie following examples are adapted to the notes and 
observations under rule x. 
Grammar, p. US. Key, p. 37. 

1. It was the men's, women's, and children's lot to 
puffer great calamities. 

Peter's, John's, and Andrew's, occupation, was that 
of fishermen. 

This measure gained the king, as well as the peo- 
ple's approbation. 

Not only the counsel's, and attorney's, but the 
judge's opinion also, favoured his cause. 

2. And he cast himself down at Jesus feet. 
Moses rod was turned into a serpent. 

For Herodias sake, his brother Philips wifa w 



Kule 10.) SmTAX. ¥1 

if ye suffer for righteousnesses sake, happy are ye. 
Ye should be subject for conscience's sake. 

3. They very justly condemned the prodigal's, as 
he was called, senseless and extravagant conduct. 

They implicitly obeyed the protector's, as they 
called him, imperious mandates. 

4. I bought the knives at Johnson's, the cutler's. 
The silk was purchased at Brown's, the mercer's 

and haberdasher's. 

Lord Feversham the general's tent. 

This palace had been the grand sultan's Mahomet^?. 

I will hot for David's thy father's sake. 

He took refuge at the governor, the king's repre- 
sentative's. 

Whose works are these? They are Cicero, the 
most eloquent of men's. 

5. The world's government is not left to chance. 
She married my son's wife's brother. 

This is my wife's brother's partner- s house. 

It was necessary to have both the physician's and 
the surgeon's advice. 

The extent of the prerogative of the king of Eng- 
land, is sufficiently ascertained. 

6. This picture of the king's does not much resem- 
ble him. 

These pictures of the king were sent to him from 
Italy, 

This estate of the corporation's is much encumbered. 
That is the eldest son of the king of England's. 

7. What can be the cause of the parliament neg- 
lecting so important a business ? 

Much depends on this rule being observed. 

The time of William making the experiment, at 
length arrived. 

It is very probable that this assembly was called, 
to clear some doubt which the king had, about the 
lawfulness of the Hollanders their throwing off the 
monarchy of Spain, and their withdrawing entire};- 
their allegiance to that crow 



72 exercises. (Rule li. 

If we alter the situation of any of the words, we 
shall presently be sensible of the melody suffering. 

Such will ever be the effect of youth associating 
with vicious companions. 

RULE XI. 

Active verbs govern the objective case: as "Truth 
ennobles her;" "She comforts me;" " They support 
us;" " Virtue rewards her followers " 
Grammar, p. 121. Key, p. 38. 

They who opulence has made proud, and who lux- 
ury has corrupted, cannot relish the simple pleasures 
of nature. 

You have reason to dread his wrath, which one day 
will destroy ye both. 

Who have I reason to love so much as this friend 
of my youth. 

Ye, who were dead, hath he quickened. 

Who did they entertain so freely ? 

The man who he raised from obscurity, is dead. 

Ye only have I known of all the families of the earth. 

He and they we know, but who are you 1 

She that is idle and mischievous, reprove sharply. 

Who did they send to him on so important an errand ? 

That is the friend who you must receive cordially, 
and who you cannot esteem too highly. 

He invited my brother and I to see and examine 
his library. 

He who committed the offence, you should correct, 
not I who am innocent. 

We should fear and obey the Author of our being, 
even He who has power to reward or punish us for 
ever. 

They who he had most injured, he had the greatest 
reason to love. 

The examples which follow, are suited to the notes and 

observations under rule xi. 

Grammar, p. 122. Key, p. 39. 

I, Though he now takes pleasure in them, he will 



Unit II. ai.NTAi- 

one day repent him of indulgences so unwarrantable . 

The nearer his virtues approached him to the greal. 
example before him, the humbler he grew. 

It will be very difficult to agree his conduct with 
tfie principles he professes. 

2. To ingratiate with some by traducing Others 
marks a base and despicable mind. 

I shall premise with two or three general observe 
tions. 

3. If such maxims, and such practices prevail, 
what has become of decency and virtue 1 

I have come according to the time proposed ; but 
I have fallen upon an evil hour. 

The mighty rivals are now at length agreed. 

The influence of his corrupt example was then en 
tirely ceased. 

He was entered into the connexion, before the con- 
sequences were considered. 

4.* Well may you be afraid 5 it is him indeed. 

I would act the same part if I were him, or in his 
situation. 

Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye 
have eternal life : and they are them which testify 
of me. 

Be composed: it is me: you have no cause for 
fear. 

I cannot tell who has befriended me, unless it is 
him from whom I have received many benefits. 

I know not whether it were them who conducted 
the business ; but I am certain it was not him. 

He so much resembled my brother, that, at first 
sight, I took it to be Be. 

*When the verb to be is understood, it has the same case before 
and after it, as when it is expressed: as, "He seems the leader ot* 
the party; "He shall continue steward;" "They appointed me. 
eKeGutor;" "I supposed him a man of learning ;" that is, "He 
seems to be the leader of the party,'' &c. — Nouns in Apposition 
are in the same case: as, "We named the man Pompey;" -£hey 
may term Charles a. visionary, but they cannot call him a de- 
ceiver;" " Hortensius die^ a martyr ; v "The gentle Si 



74 , exercise*. (Ume 1$. 

After all their professions, is it possible to be them ? 

It could not have been her, for she always behaves 
discreetly. 

If it was not hiin, who do you imagine it to have 
been ? 

Who do you think him to be ? 

Whom do the people say that we are ? 

5. Whatever others do, let thou and I act wisely. 

Let them and we unite to oppose this growing evil, 

RULE XII. 

One verb governs another that follows it, or depends 
upon it, in the infinitive mood: as, " Cease to do evil, 
learn to do well;" " We should be prepared to render 
an account of our actions." 

The preposition to, though generally used before the 
latter verb, is sometimes properly omitted : as '* 1 
heard him say it ;" instead of "to say it." 

Grammar, p. 123. Key, p. 40. 

It is better live on a little, than outlive a great dea*. 

You ought not walk too hastily. 

I wish him not wrestle with his happiness. 

I need not to solicit him to do a kind action. 

I dare not to proceed so hastily, lest I should give 
offence. 

I have seen some young persons to conduct them- 
selves very discreetly. 

The following sentences exemplify the notes and o&- 
servations under eule xii. 
Grammar, p. 123. Key, p. 40. 

I. It is a great support to virtue, when we see a 
good mind to maintain its patience and tranquillity, 
under injuries and affliction, and to cordially forgive 
its oppressors. 

It is the difference of their conduct, which makes 
as to approve the one, and to reject the other. 

We should not be like many persons, to depreciate 
the virtues we do not possess 



Uula 13.) SYNTAX. 75 

To see young persons who are courted by health 
and pleasure, to resist all the allurements of vice, and 
to steadily pursue virtue and knowledge, is cheering 
and delightful to every good mind. 

They acted with so much reserve, that some per- 
sons doubted them to be sincere. 

And the multitude wondered, when they saw the 
lame to walk, and the blind to see. 

RULE XIII. 

In the use of words and phrases which, in point of 
time, relate to each other, a due regard to that relation 
slioidd be observed. Instead of saving, " The Lord 
hath given, and the Lord hath taken away ;™ we should 
say " The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away.'' 7 
Instead of, i: I remember the family more than twenty 
years ;" it should be, " I have remembered the family 
more than twenty years. 77 

Grammar, p. 124. Key, p. 41. 

The next new year's day I shall be at school three 
years. 

And he that was dead, sat up, and began to speak. 

I should be obliged to him, if he will gratify me in 
that particular. 

And the multitude wondered, when they saw the 
dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame 
walk, and the blind seeing. 

I have compassion on the multitude, because they 
continue with me now three days. 

In the treasury belonging to the Cathedral in this 
city, is preserved with the greatest veneration, for up- 
wards of six hundred years, a dish which they pretend 
to be made of emerald. 

The court of Rome gladly laid hold on all the op- 
portunities, which the imprudence, weakness, or ne- 
cessities of princes, afford it, to extend its authority. 
Fierce as he mov'd his silver shafts resound. 

They maintained that scripture conclusion, that all 
mankind ri«p from one head. 



?>> exercises. (Rule 1% 

John will earn his wages, when his service is com- 
pleted. 

Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life. 

Be that as it will, he cannot justify his conduct. 

I have been at London a year, and seen the king 
last summer. 

After we visited London, we returned, content and 
thankful, to our retired and peaceful habitation 

The following examples are adapted to the notes and 

observations under rule xiii. 

Grammar, p. 125. Key, p. 42. 

1. I purpose to go to London in a few months, and 
after I shall finish my business there, to proceed to 
America. 

These prosecutions of William seem to be the most 
iniquitous measures pursued by the court during the 
time that the use of parliaments was suspended. 

From the little conversation I had with him, he ap- 
peared to have been a man of letters. 

I always intended to have rewarded my son, ac- 
cording to his merit. 

It would, on reflection, have given me great satis- 
faction, to relieve him from that distressed situation. 

It required so much care, that I thought I should 
have lost it before I reached home. 

We have done no more than it was our duty to 
have done. 

He would hajve assisted one of his friends, if he 
could do it without injuring the other; but as that 
could not have been done, he avoided all interference. 

Must it not be expected, that he would have de- 
fended an authority, which had been so long exercised 
without controversy ? 

These enemies of Christianity were confounded 
whilst they were expecting to have found an oppor 
tunity to have betrayed its Author. 

His sea sickness was so great, that I often feared 
he would have died before our arrival 



Huh 14.) SYN1AX. 7T 

If these persons had intended to deceive they would 
have taken care to have avoided, what would expose 
them to the objections of their opponents. 

It was a pleasure to have received his approbation 
of my labours ; for which I cordially thanked him, 

It would have afforded me still greater pleasure, to 
receive his approbation at an earlier period : but to 
receive it at all, reflected credit upon me. 

To be censured by him, would soon have proved an 
-insuperable discouragement. 

Him portioned maids, apprenticed orphans blest, 
The young who labour, and the old who rest. 
The doctor, in his lecture, said, that fever always 
produced thirst. 

RULE XIV. 

Participhs have the same government as the verbs 
have from which they are derived: as, "lam weaiy 
ivith hearing ;" "She is instructing us ;" "The tutor 
is admonishing Charles."* 

Grammar, p. 127. Key, p. 44. 

Esteeming theirselves wise, they became fools. 

Suspecting not only ye, but they also, I was Stu- 
dious to avoid all intercourse. 

I could not avoid considering, in some degree, they 
as enemies to me ; and he as a suspicious friend. 

From having exposed himself too freely in differ- 
ent climates, he entirely lost his health. 
The examples which follow, are suited to the notes and 
observations under rule xiv. 
Grammar, p. 128. Key, p. 45. 

1. By observing of truth, you will command es- 
teem, as well as secure peace. 

He prepared them for this event, by the sending to 
them proper information. 

* Though the participle is not a part of speech distinct from the 
verb yet°as it forms a particular and striking part of the verb, 
and nas some rules and observations which are peculiar to it, we 
think it is entitled to a separate, distinctive consideration, 



exercises* (Rule 14. 

A person may be great or rich by chance ; but 
cannot be wise or good, without the taking pains for it. 

Nothing could have made her so unhappy, as the 
marrying a man who possessed such principles. 

The changing times and seasons, the removing and 
setting up kings, belong to Providence alone. 

The middle station of life seems to be the most " 
advantageously situated for gaining of wisdom. Po- 
verty turns our thoughts too much upon the supply- 
ing our wants ; and riches upon the enjoying our su- 
perfluities. 

Pliny, speaking of Cato the Censor y s disapproving 
the Grecian orators, expressed himself thus. 

Propriety of pronounciation is the giving to every 
word that sound, which the most polite usage of the 
language appropriates to it. 

That not attending to this rule, is the cause of a 
very common error. 

This was in fact a converting the cleposite to his own 
use. 

2. There will be no danger of their spoiling their 
faces, or of their gaining converts. 

For his avoiding that precipice, he is indebted to 
fails friend's care. 

It was from our misunderstanding the directiona, 
that we lost our way. 

In tracing of his history, we discover little that is 
worthy of imitation. 

By reading of books written by the best authors, 
his mind became highly improved. 

3. By too eager pursuit, he run a great risk of being 
disappointed. 

He had not long enjoyed repose, before he begun 
to be weary of having nothing to do. 

He was greatly heated, and drunk with avidity. 

Though his conduct was, in some respects, excep- 
tionable, yet he dared not commit so great an offence, 
as that which was proposer! to him. 






Rule 15.; SYNTAX. IB 

A second deluge learning thus o'er-ruh : 
And the monks finish'd what the Goths begun. 

If some events had not fell out very unexpectedly, 
I should have been present. 

He would have went with us, had he been invited. 

He returned the goods which he had stole, and made 
all the reparation in his power. 

They have chose the part of honour and virtue. 

His vices have weakened his mind, and broke his 
health. 

He had mistook his true interest, and found himsek" 
forsook by his former adherents. 

The bread that has been eat is soon forgot. 

No contentions have arose amongst them since their 
reconciliation. 

The cloth had no seam, but was wove throughout. 

The French language is spoke in every state in 
Europe. 

His resolution was too strong to be shook by slight 
opposition. 

He was not much restrained afterwards, having 
took improper liberties at first. 

He has not yet wore off the rough manners, which 
he brought with him. 

You who have forsook your friends, are entitled to 
no confidence. 

They who have bore a part in the labour, shall 
share the rewards. 

When the rules have been wantonly broke, there 
can be no plea for favour. 

He writes as the best authors would have wrote, 
had they writ on the same subject. 

He heapt up great riches, but past his time mise- 
rably. 

He talkt and stampt with such vehemence, that he 
was suspected to be insane. 

RULE xv. 

Adverbs, though they have no government of case, 
feme* #c. require an appropriate situation in ihemn~ 



8i) exercises. (Huh lb. 

fence, viz. for the most part before adjectives, after 
verbs active or neuter, and frequently between the 
auxiliary and the verb; as, " He made a very sensible 
discourse ; he spoke unaffectedly and forcibly, and ivas 
attentively heard by the wlwle assembly. 19 

Grammar, p. 129. Key, p. 48. 

He was pleasing not often, because he was vain. 

William nobly acted, though he was unsuccessful. 

We may happily live though our possessions are 
small. 

From whence we may date likewise the period of 
this event. 

It cannot be impertinent or ridiculous therefore to 
remonstrate. 

He offered an apology, which being not admitted ; 
he became submissive. 

These things should be never separated. 

Unless he have more government of himself, he will 
be always discontented. 

Never sovereign was so much beloved by the 
people. 

He was determined to invite back the king, and to 
call together hi3 friends. 

So well educated a boy gives great hopes to his 
friends. 

Not only he found her employed, but pleased and 
tranquil also. 

We always should prefer our duty to our pleasure. 

It is impossible continually to be at work. 

The heavenly bodies are in motion perpetually. 

Having not known, or having not considered, the 
measures proposed, he failed of success. 

My opinion was given on rather a cursory perusal 
of the book. 

It is too common with mankind, to be engrossed, 
and overcome totally, by present events. 

When the Romans were pressed with a foreign 



Jtftt/ei6.) a IN TAX. Si 

enemy, the women contributed all their rings and jewels 
voluntarily, to assist the government. 

The following sentences exemplify the notes and oh' 
serrations under rule xv. 
Grammar, p. 130. Key, p. 49. 

1. They could not persuade him, though they were 
never so eloquent. 

If some persons' opportunities were never so fa- 
vourable, they would be too indolent to improve them. 

2. He drew up a petition, where he too freely re* 
presented his own merits. 

His follies had reduced him to a situation where he 
had much to fear, and nothing to hope. 

It is reported that the prince will come here to* 
morrow. 

George is active ; he walked there in less than an 
hour. 

Where are you all going in such haste? 

Whither have they been since they left the city 1 

3. Charles left the seminary too early, since when 
he has made very little improvement. 

Nothing is better worth the while of young persons, 
than the acquisition of knowledge and virtue. 

RULE XVI. 

Two negatives in English, destroy one another, or 
are equivalent to an affirmative : as, "Nor did they 
not perceive him;" that is, "they did perceive him." 
" His language, though inelegant, is not ungramma- 
iical;" that is, " it is grammatical," 

Grammar, p. 131. Key, p. 60. 

Neither riches nor honours, nor no such perishing 
goods, can satisfy the desires of an immortal spirit. 

Be honest, nor take no shape nor semblance of dis- 
guise. 

We need not, nor do not. confine his operations to 
narrow limits. 



82 exercises. (Rule 17. 

I am resolved not to comply with the proposal, 
neither at present, nor at any other time. 

There cannot be nothing more insignificant than 
vanity. 

Nothing never affected her so much as this miscon 
duct of her child. 

Do not interrupt me yourselves, nor let no one dis- 
turb my retirement. 

These people do not judge wisely, nor take no pro 
per measures to effect their purpose. 

The measure is so exceptionable, that we cannot 
by no means permit it. 

I have received no information on the subject 
neither from him nor from his friend. 

Precept nor discipline \s not so forcible as example. 

The king nor the queen was not at all deceived in 
the business. 

RULE XVII. 

Prepositions govern the objective case : as, u I have 
heard a good character of her;" "From him that is 
needy turn not away;" " A word to the wise is sufficient 
for them;" " We may be good and happy without 
niches" 

Grammar, p. 131. Key, p. 50. 

We are all accountable creatures, each for hisself. 

They willingly, and of theirselves, endeavoured to 
make up the difference. 

He laid the suspicion upon somebody, I know not 
who, in the company. 

I hope it is not I who he is displeased with. 

To poor we there is not much hope remaining. 

Does that boy know who he speaks to ? Who doee 
he offer such language to ? 

It was not he that they were so angry with. 

What concord can subsist between those who com- 
mit crimes, and they who abhor them ? 



Mule 17. j syntax. 83 

The person who I travelled with, has sold the horse 
which he rode on during our journey. 
It is not I he is engaged with. 
Who did he receive that intelligence from ? 

The following examples are adapted to the notes and 
observations under rule xvn. 

Grammar, p. 132. Key, p. 51. 

1. To have no one whom we heartily wish well to, 
and whom we are warmly concerned for, is a deplora- 
ble state. 

He is a friend whom I am highly indebted to. 

2. On these occasions, the pronoun is governed by, 
and consequently agrees with, the preceding word. 

They were refused entrance into, and forcibly 
driven from, the house. 

3- We are often disappointed of things, which, be- 
fore possession, promised much enjoyment. 

I have frequently desired their company, but have 
always hitherto been disappointed in that pleasure. 

4. She finds a difficulty of fixing her mind. 

]$Ier sobriety is no derogation to her understanding. 

There was no water, and he died for thirst. 

We can fully confide on none but the truly good. 

I have no occasion of his services. 

Many have profited from good advice. 

Many ridiculous practices have been brought in 
vogue. 

The error was occasioned by compliance to earnest 
entreaty. 

This is a principle in unison to our nature. 

We should entertain no prejudices to simple and 
rustic persons. 

They are at present resolved of doing their duty. 

That boy is known under the name of the Idler. 

Though conformable with custom, it is not war- 
rantable. 

This remark is founded in truth. 



£*£ &££&ClSE*i. ijiuie 17, 

His parents think on him, and his improvements ■, 
with pleasure and hope. 

His excuse was admitted of by his master 

What went ye out for to see ? 

There appears to have been a million men brought 
into the field. 

His present was accepted of by his friends. 

More than a thousand of men were destroyed. 

It is my request, that he will be particular in speak- 
ing to the following points. 

The Saxons reduced the. greater part of Britain to 
their own power. 

He lives opposite the Royal Exchange. 

Their house is situated to the north-east side of the 
road. 

The performance was approved of by all who un- 
derstood it. 

He was accused with having acted unfairly. 

She has an abhorrence to ail deceitful conduct. 

They were some distance from home, when the ac- 
cident happened. 

His deportment was adapted for conciliating regard. 

My father writes me very frequently. 

Their conduct was agreeable with their profession. 

We went leisurely above stairs, and came hastily 
below. We shall write up stairs this forenoon, and 
down stairs in the afternoon. 

The politeness of the world has the same resem- 
blance with benevolence, that the shadow has with the 
substance. 

He had a taste of such studies, and pursued them 
earnestly. 

When we have had a true taste for the pleasures of 
virtue, we can have no relish of those of vice. 

How happy is it to know how to live at times by 
one's self, to leave one's self in regret, to find one's self 
again with pleasure ! The world is then less necessary 
for us. 

Civility makes its way among every kind of persons 



Rule 18.) svintax. 0ft 

5. I have been to London, after having resided a 
year at France ; and I now live in Islington. 

They have just landed in Hull, and are going for 
Liverpool. They intend to reside some time at Ire- 
land. 

RULE XVIII. 

Conjunctions connect the same moods and tenses of 
verbs, and cases of nouns and pronouns : as, " Can- 
dour is to be approved and practised ;" " If thou sin- 
cerely desire, and earnestly pursue virtue, she will as- 
suredly be found by thee, and prove a rich reward ;" 
" Tlie master taught her and me to write ; n " He and 
the were school-fellows." 

Grammar, p. 134. Key, p. 53. 

Professing regard, and to act differently, discover a 
base mind. 

Did he not tell me his fault, and entreated me to 
forgwe him ? 

My brother and him are tolerable grammarians. 

If he understood the subject, and attends to it indus- 
triously, he can scarcely fail of success. 

You and us enjoy many privileges. 

If a man have a hundred sheep, and one of them Is 
gene astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and 
goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is 
gone astray? 

She and him are very unhappily connected. 

To be moderate in our views, and proceeding tem- 
perately in the pursuit of them, is the best way to en- 
sure success. > 

Between him and I there is some disparity of years ; 
but none between him and she. 

By forming themselves on fantastic models, and 
ready to vie with one another in th2 reigning follies, 
the young begin with being ridiculous, and end with 
being vicious and immoral. 
H 



86 exercises. (Rule 19. 

The following sentences exemplify the notes and obser* 
rations under rule xvm. 

Grammar, p. 134. Key, p. 54. 

1. We have met with many disappointments ; and, 
if life continue, shall probably meet with many more. 

Rank may confer influence, but will not necessarily 
produce virtue. 

He does not want courage, but is defective in sensi- 
bility. 

These people have indeed acquired great riches, but 
do not command esteem. 

Our seasons of improvement is short ; and, whe- 
ther used or not, will soon pass away. 

He might have been happy, and is now fully con » 
vinced of it. 

Learning strengthens the mind ; and, if properly 
applied, will improve our morals too. 

RULE XIX. 

Some conjunctions require the indicative, some the 
subjunctive mood, after them. It is a general rule, 
that tohen something contingent or doubtful is implied, 
tJie subjunctive ought to be used: as, "If I were to 
write, he would not regard it;" "He will not be par* 
doned, unless he repent." 

Conjunctions that are of a positive and absolute na« 
ture, require the indicative mood. " As virtue ad- 
vances, so vice recedes ;" " He is healthy, because he 
is temperate." 

Grammar, p. 135. Key, p. 54. 

If he acquires riches, they will corrupt his mind, and 
be useless to others. 

Though he urges me yet more earnestly, I shall not 
comply, unless he advances more forciWe reasons. 

I shall walk in the fields to-dov. unless it rains. 



Kuk 19.) 3TNTAX. &' 

As the governess were present, the children be- 
haved properly. 

She disapproved the measure, because it were very 
improper. 

Though he be high, he hath respect to the lowly. 

Though he were her friend, he did not attempt to 
justify her conduct. 

Whether he improve or not, I cannot determine. 

Though the fact be extraordinary, it certainly did 
happen. 

Remember what thou wert, and be humble. 

O ! that his heart was tender, and susceptible of the 
woes of others. 

Shall then this verse to future age pretend, 
Thou wert my guide, philosopher, and friend ? 

The examples which follow are suited to the notes and 
observations under rule xix. 

Grammar, p. 136. Key. 55. 

1. Despise not any condition, lest it happens to be 
your own. 

Let him that is sanguine, take heed le3t he miscar- 
ries. 

Take care that thou breakest not any of the es- 
tablished rules. 

If he does but intimate his desire, it will be suffi- 
cient to produce obedience. 

At the time of his return, if he is but expert in the 
business, he will find employment. 

If he do but speak to display his abilities, he is un- 
worthy of attention. 

If he be but in health, I am content. 

If he does promise, he will certainly perform. 

Though he do praise her, it is only for her beauty. 

If thou dost not forgive, perhaps thou wilt not be 
forgiven. 

If thou do sincerely believe the truths of religion, act 
aecordinglv. 



$S exercises. (Rule 19. 

2. His confused behaviour made it reasonable to 
suppose that he were guilty. 

He is so conscious of deserving the rebuke, that he 
dare not make any reply 

His apology was so plausible, that many befriended 
him, and thought he were innocent. 

3. If one man prefer a life of industry, it is because 
he has an idea of comfort in wealth ; if another pre- 
fers a life of gaiety, it is from a like idea concerning 
pleasure. 

No one engages in that business, unless he aim at 
reputation, or hopes for some singular advantage. 

Though the design be laudable, and is favourable tp 
our interest, it will involve much anxiety and labour. 

4. Unless he learns faster, he will be no scholar. 
Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down. 
On condition that he comes, I will consent to stay. 
However that affair terminates, my conduct will be 

unimpeachable. 

If virtue rewards us not so soon as we desire, the 
payment will be made with interest. 

Till repentance composes his mind, he will be a 
stranger to peace. 

Whether he confesses, or not, the truth will certainly 
be discovered. 

If thou censurest uncharitably, thou will be entitled 
to no favour. 

Though, at times, the ascent to the temple of virtue, 
appears steep and craggy, be not discouraged. Per- 
severe until thou gainest the summit: there, all is 
order, beauty, and pleasure. 

If Charlotte desire to gain esteem and love, she 
does not employ the proper means. 

Unless the accountant deceive me, my estate is 
considerably improved. 

Though self-government produce some uneasiness, 
it is light when compared with the pain of vicious in- 
dulgence. 

Whether he thinks as he speaks, time will discover. 



Ride 19.) syntax. 39 

If thou censure uncharitably, thou deservest no fa- 
vour. 

T?iough virtue appear severe, she is truly amiable. 

Though success be very doubtful, it is proper that 
he endeavours to succeed. 

5. If thou have promised, be faithful to thy en- 
gagement. 

Though he have proved his right to submission, he 
is too generous to exact it. 
Unless he have improved, he is unfit for the office. 

6. If thou had succeeded, perhaps thou wouldst not 
tie the happier for it. 

Unless thou shall see the propriety of the measure, 
we shall not desire thy support. 

Though thou will not acknowledge, thou canst not 
deny the fact. 

7. If thou gave liberally, thou wilt receive a liberal 
reward. 

Though thou did injure him, he harbours no resent- 
ment. 

It would be well, if the report was only the misre- 
presentation of her enemies. 

Was he ever so great and opulent, this conduct 
would debase hirn. 

Was I to enumerate all her virtues, it would look 
like flattery. 

Though I was perfect, yet would I not presume. 

8. If thou may share in bis labours, be thankful, 
and do it cheerfully. 

Unless thou can fairly support the cause, give it up 
honourably. 

Though thou might have foreseen the danger, 
thou couldst not have avoided it. 

If thou could convince him, he would not act ac- 
cordingly. 

If thou would improve in knowledge, be diligent. 
H2 



^0 ExfcRcjsjss (little ly. 

Unless thou should make a timely retreat, the dan* 
ger will be unavoidable, 

I have laboured and wearied myself, that thou may 
be at ease. 

He enlarged on those dangers, that thou should 
frvoid them. 

9. Neither the cold or the fervid, but characters 
uniformly warm, are formed for friendship. 

They are both praise-worthy, and one is equally 
deserving as the other. 

He is not as diligent and learned as his brother. 

I will present it to him myself, or direct it to be 
given to him. 

Neither despise or oppose what thou dost not un* 
derstand. 

The house is not as commodious as we expected it 
would be. 

I must, however, be so candid to own 1 have been 
mistaken. 

There was something so amiable, and yet so pierc- 
ing in his look, as affected me at once with love and 
terror. 



-" I gain'd a son ; 



And such a son, as all mep. haiPd me happy." 

The dog in the manger would not eat the hay mm- 
self, nor suffer the ox to eat it. 

As far as I am able to judge, the book is well 
written. 

We should faithfully perform the trust committed to 
us, or ingenuously relinquish the charge. 

He is not as eminent, and as much esteemed as he 
thinks himself to be. 

The work is a dull performance ; and is neither 
capable of pleasing the understanding, or the imagin- 
ation. 

There is no condition so secure, as cannot admit of 
change. 



Hule 20.; SYNTAX. 9i 

This is an event, which nobody presumes upon or 
is so sanguine to hope for. 

We are generally pleased with any little accom- 
plishments of body or mind. 

10. Be ready to succour such persons who need 
thy assistance. 

The matter was no sooner proposed, but he pri- 
vately withdrew to consider it. 

He has too much sense and prudence than to be- 
come a dupe to such artifices. 

It is not sufficient that our conduct, as far as it re* 
spects others, appears to be unexceptionable. 

The resolution was not the less fixed, that the se- 
cret was yet communicated to very few. 

He opposed the most remarkable corruptions of 
the church of Rome, so as that his doctrines were em- 
braced by great numbers. 

He gained nothing further by his speech, but only 
to be commended for his eloquence. 

He has little more of the scholar besides the name. 

He has little of the scholar than the name. 

They had no sooner risen, but they applied them- 
selves to their studies. 

From no other institution, besides the admirable 
one of juries, could so great a benefit be expected. 

Those savage people seemed to have no other ele- 
ment but war 

Such men that act treacherously ought to be avoided. 

Germany ran the same risk as Italy had done. 

No errors are so trivial, but they deserve to be cor- 
rected. 

RULE XX. 

When the qualities of different things are com/par 
ed, the latter noun or pronoun is not governed by the 
conjunction than or as, but agrees ivith the verb, or is 
governed by the verb or the preposition, expressed or 



92 exercises. (Rule 21. 

understood: as, "Thou art wiser than I;" that is, 
" than I am" u They loved him more than me;" that 
is, " more than they loved me." " The sentiment is 
well expressed by Plato, but much better by Solomon 
than him*" that is, " than by him." 

Grammar, p. 142. Key, p. 80. 

In some respects, we have had as many advantages 
as them ; but in the article of a good library they have 
had a greater privilege than us. 

The undertaking was much better executed by his 
brother than he. 

They are much greater gainers than me by this un- 
expected event. 

They know how to write as well as him ; but he 
Is a much better grammarian than them. 

Though she is not so learned as him, she is as much 
beloved and respected. 

These people, though they possess more shining 
qualities, are not so proud as him, nor so vain as her. 

The following examples are adapted to the notes and 
observations under rule xx. 

Grammar, p. 143. Key, p. 60. 

1. Who betrayed her companion ? Not me. 

Who revealed the secrets he ought to have conceal- 
ed? Not him. 

Who related falsehoods to screen herself, and to 
bring an odium upon others ? Not me $ it was her. 

There is but one in fault, and that is me. 

Whether he will be learned or no, must depend on 
his application. 

Charles XII. of Sweden, than who a more cou- 
rageous person never lived, appears to have been desti- 
tute of the tender sensibilities of nature. 

Salmasius (a more learned man than him has sel- 
dom appeared) was not happy at the close of life. 



Rule 21.) syntax. , 93 

RULE XXI. 

To avoid disagreeable repetitions, and to express 
our ideas in few words, an ellipsis , or omission of some 
words, is frequently admitted. 

Grammar, p. 143. Key, p. 61. 

I gladly shunned who gladly fled from me. 

And this is it men mean by distributive justice, and 
is properly termed equity. 

His honour, interest, religion, were all embarked 
in this undertaking. 

When so good a man as Socrates fell a victim to the 
madness of the people, truth, virtue, religion, fell with 
him. 

The fear of death, nor hope of life, could make him 
submit to a dishonest action. 

An elegant house and furniture were, by this event, 
irrecoverably lost to the owner. 

The examples which follow, are suited to the notes and 

observations under rule xxi. 

Grammar, p. 143. Key, p. 62. 

1. These rules are addressed to none but the in- 
telligent and the attentive. 

The gay and the pleasing are, sometimes, the most 
insidious, and the most dangerous companions. 

Old age will prove a joyless and a dreary season, 
if we arrive at it with an unimproved, or with a cor- 
rupted mind. 

The more I see of his conduct, I like him better. 

It is not only the duty, but interest of young per- 
sons, to be studious and diligent. 

2. These counsels were the dictates of virtue, and 
the dictates of true honour. 

Avarice and cunning may acquire an estate ; but 
avarice and cunning cannot gain friends. 

A taste for useful knowledge, will provide for us a 
great and noble entertainment, when others leave us. 



94 exercises* {Rme 21. 

Without firmness, nothing that is great can be un- 
dertaken ; that is difficult or hazardous, can be ac- 
complished. 

The anxious man is the votary of riches ; the neg- 
ligent, of pleasure. 

3. His crimes had brought him into extreme dis- 
tress, and extreme perplexity. 

He has an affectionate brother, and an affectionate 
sister, and they live in great harmony. 

We must guard against too great severity, and facili- 
ty of manners. / 

We should often recollect what the wisest men have 
said and written, concerning human happiness and 
vanity. 

That species of commerce will produce great gain 
or loss. 

Many days, and even weeks, pass away unimproved. 

This wonderful action struck the beholders with 
exceeding astonishment. 

The people of this country possess a healthy cli- 
mate and soil. 

They enjoy also a free constitution and laws 

4. His reputation and his estate were both lost by 
gaming. 

This intelligence not only excited our hopes, but 
fears too. 

His conduct is not scandalous ; and that is the best 
can be said of it. 

This was the person whom calumny had greatly 
abused, and sustained the injustice with singular pa- 
tience. 

He discovered some qualities in the youth, of a 
disagreeable nature, and to him were wholly unac- 
countable, -j 

The captain had several men died in his ship, of the 
scurvey. 

He is not only sensible and learned, but is religious 



link 21.) sin tax 'J J 

The Chinese language contains an immense num- 
ber of words ; and who would learn them must possess 
a great memory. 

By presumption and by vanity, we provoke enmity, 
and we incur contempt. 

In the circumstances I was at that time, my trou- 
bles pressed heavily upon me. 

He has destroyed his constitution, by the very same 
errors that so many have been destroyed. 

5. He is temperate, he is disinterested, he is bene- 
volent ; he is an ornament to his family, and a credit 
to his profession. 

Genuine virtue supposes our benevolence to be 
strengthened, and to be confirmed by principle. 

Perseverance in laudable pursuits, will reward all 
our toils, and will produce effects beyond our calcula- 
tion. 

It is happy for us, when we can calmly and deli- 
berately look I ack on the past, and can quietly anti- 
dip ate the future. 

The sacrifices of virtue will not only be rewarded 
hereafter, but recompensed even in this life. 

All those possessed of any office, resigned their 
former commission. 

If young persons were determined to conduct them- 
selves by the rules of virtue, not only would they es- 
cape innumerable dangers, but command respect from 
the licentious themselves. 

Charles was a man of learning, knowledge, and be- 
nevolence ; and, what is still more, a true Christian. 

6. The temper of him who is always in the bustle 
of the world, will be often ruffled, and be often dis- 
turbed. 

We often commend imprudently as well as censure 
imprudently. 

How a seed grows up into a tree, and the mind acts 
upon the body, are mysteries which we cannot explain. 

Verily, there is a reward for the righteous ! There 
a a God that judgeth in the eartW, 



96 exercises. {Rule 2L 

7. Changes are almost continually taking place, in 
men and in manners, in opinions and in customs, in 
private fortunes and public conduct. 

Averse either to contradict or blame, the too com- 
plaisant man goes along with the manners that pre- 
vail. 

By this habitual indelicacy, the virgins smiled at 
what they blushed before. 

They are now reconciled to what they could not 
formerly be prompted, by any considerations. 

Censure is a tax which a man pays the public fof 
being eminent. 

Reflect on the state of human life, and the society 
of men, as mixed with good and with evil. 

8. In all stations and conditions, the important re* 
lations take place, of masters and servants, and hus- 
bands and wives, and parents and children, and bro- 
thers and friends, and citizens and subjects. 

Destitute of principle, he regarded neither his fami- 
ly, nor his friends, nor his reputation. 

Religious persons are often unjustly represented as 
persons of romantic character, visionary notions, un- 
acquainted with the world, unfit to live in it* 

No rank, station, dignity of birth, possessions, ex- 
empt men from contributing their share to public utility. 

9. Oh, my father ! Oh my friend ! how great has 
been my ingratitude ! 

Oh piety ! virtue ! how insensible have I been to 
your charms ! 

10. That is a property most men have, or at least 
may attain. 

Why do ye that, which is not lawful to do on the 
sabbath days ? 

The showbread which is not lawful to eat, but for 
the priests alone. 

Most, if not all the royol family, had quitted th* 
place. 



Utile 2&) syntax. 97 

By these happy labours, they who sow and reap, 
will rejoice together. 

RULE XXII. 

Ml the parts of a sentence should correspond to each 
other : a regular and dependent construction throughout 
should be carefully preserved. 

Grammar, p. 146. Key, p, 67. 

Several alterations and additions have been made to 
che work. 

The first proposal was essentially different, and in- 
ferior to the second. 

He is more bold and active, but not so wise and stu- 
dious as his companion. 

Thou hearest the sound of the wind, but thou canst 
not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth. 

Neither has he, nor any other persons, suspected so 
much dissimulation. 

The court of France, or England, was to have been 
the umpire. 

In the feign of Henry II. all foreign commodities 
were plenty in England. 

There is no talent so useful towards success in bu- 
siness, or which puts men more out of the reach of 
accidents, than that quality generally possessed by 
persons of cool temper, and is, in common language, 
called discretion. 

The first project was to shorten discourse, by cut- 
ting polysyllables into one. 

I shall do all I can, to persuade others to take the 
same measures for their cure which I have* 

The greatest masters of critical learning differ 
among one another. 

Micaiah said, U thou certainly return in peace, 
then hath not the Lord spoken by me. 

I do not suppose, that we Britons want a genius* 
aiore than the rest of our neighbours. 

The deaf man, whose era were opened, and his 



HS EXEr.cis£Sf. {Rule 32. 

tongue loosened^ doubtless glorified the g-eat Phy- 
sician. 

Groves* fields, and meadows, are at any season of 
the year, pleasant to look upon ; but never so much 
as in the opening of the spring. 

The multitude rebuked them, because they should 
hold their peace. 

The intentions of some of these philosophers, nay, 
of many, might and probably were good. 

It is an unanswerable argument of a very refined 
age, the wonderful civilities that have passed between 
the nation of authors, and that of readers. 

It was an unsuccessful undertaking; which, al- 
though it has failed, is no objection at all to an enter- 
prise so well concerted. 

The reward is his due, and it has already, or will 
hereafter, be given to him. 

By intercourse with wise and experienced persons, 
who know the world, we may improve and rub off the 
rust of a private and retired education. 

Sincerity is as valuable, and even more valuable, 
than knowledge. 

No person was ever so perplexed, or sustained 
the mortifications, as he has done to-day. 

The Romans gave, not only the freedom of the city, 
but capacity for employments, to several towns in 
Gaul, Spain, and Germany. 

Such writers have no other standard on which to 
form themselves, except what chances to be fashion- 
able and popular. 

Whatever we do secretly, shall be displayed and 
heard in the clearest light. 

To the happiness of possessing a person of such un- 
common merit, Boethius soon had the satisfaction ol 
obtaining the highest honour his country could bestow. 



Promiscuous.) syntax. 99 

CHAP, II. 

Containing instances, of false Syntax, promiscuously 

disposed. 

See the Key, p. 69. 

SECT. I. 

Though great has been his disobedience and his fol- 
ly, yet if he sincerely acknowledges his misconduct 
i he will be forgiven. 

On these causes depend all the happiness or misery, 
which exist among men. 

The property of James, I mean his books and fur- 
niture, were wholly destroyed. 

This prodigy of learning, this scholar, critic, and 
antiquarian, were entirely destitute of breeding and 
civility, 

That writer has given an account of the manner, 
in which Christianity has formerly been propagated 
: among the heathens. 

We adore the Divine Being, he who is from eternity 
to eternity. 

Thou, Lord, who hath permitted affliction to come 
upon us, shall deliver us from it, in due time, 

In this place, there were not only security, but an 
abundance of provisions. 

By these attainments are the master honoured, and 
the scholars encouraged. 

The sea appeared to he more than usually agitated. 

Not one in fifty of those who call themselves deists, 
understand the nature of the religion they reject. 

Virtue and mutual confidence is the soul of friend- 
ship. Where these are wanting, disgust or hatred 
often follow little differences. 

Time and chance happeneth to all men ; but every 
person do not consider who govern those powerful 
causes. 

The active mind of man never or seldom rests satis-. 



100 exerciser- (Promiscuous. 

fled with their present condition, howsoever prosper- 
ous. 

Habits must be acquired of temperance and of sell- 
denial, that we may be able to resist pleasure, and to 
endure pain, when either of them interfere with our 

irnty. 

The error of resting wholly on faith, or on works, 
is one of those seductions which most easily misleads 
men ; under the semblance of piety, on the one hand, 
and of virtue on the other hand. 

It was no exaggerated tale ; for she was really in 
mat sad condition that her friend represented her. 

An army present a painful sight to a feeling mind. 

The enemies who we have most to fear, are those 
of our own hearts. 

Thou art the Messiah, the Son of God, who was to 
come into the world, and hast been so long promised 
and desired. 

Thomas disposition is better than his brothers ; and 
he appear to be the happiest man : but some degree 
of trouble is all mens portion. 

Though remorse sleep sometimes during prosperity, 
it will awake surely in adversity. 

It is an invariable law to our present condition, that 
every pleasure that are pursued to excess, convert 
themselves into poison. 

If a man brings into the solitary retreat of age, a 
vacant, an unimproved mind, where no knowledge 
dawns, no ideas rise, which within itself has nothing 
to feed upon, many a heavy and many a comfortless 
day he must necessarily pass, 

I cannot yield to such dishonourable conduct, 
neither at the present moment of difficulty, nor, 1 
trust, under no circumstance whatever. 

Themistocles concealed the enterprises of Pausa- 
nias, either thinking it base to betray the secrets trust- 
ed to his confidence, or imagined it impossible for 
such dangerous and ill-concerted schemes to take 
effect. 



Promiscuous.) syN tax. 1 tH 

Pericles gained such an ascendant over the minds of 
the Athenians, that he might be said to attain a mo- 
narchical power in Athens. 

Christ did applaud the liberality of the poor widow, 
who he had seen casting her two mites in the treasury. 

A multiplicity of little kind offices, in persons fre- 
quently conversant with each other, is the bands of 
society and of friendship. 

To do good to them that hate us, and, on no occa- 
sion, to seek revenge, i3 the duty of a Christian. 

If a man profess a regard for the duties of religion, 
and neglect that of a morality, that man's religion is 
vain. 

Affluence might give us respect, in the eyes of the 
vulvar, but will not recommend us to the wise and 
good. 

The polite, accomplished libertine, is but miserable 
amidst all his pleasures : the rude inhabitant of Lap- 
land is happier than him. 

The cheerful and the gay, when warmed by plea* 
sure and by mirth, lose that sobriety and that self- 
denial, which is essential to the support of virtue. 

SECT. II. 

Key, p. 72. 

There were, in the metropolis, much to amuse them, 
as well as many things to excite disgust. 

How much is real virtue and merit exposed to suf- 
fer the hardships of a stormy life ? 

This is one of the duties which requires peculiar 
circumspection. 

More complete happiness than that I have describ- 
ed, seldom falls to the lot of mortals. 

There are principles in man, which ever have, and 
ever will incline him to offend. 

Whence have there arose such a great variety of 
opinions and tenets m religion? 



IG2 exercises. (Promiscuous'. 

Its stature is less than that of a man ; but its strength 
and agility much greater. 

They that honour me, them will I honour. 
He summonses me to attend, and I must summons 
the others. 

Then did the officer lay hold of him, and executed 
him immediately. 

Who is that person whom I /*,aw you introduce and 
present him to the duke ? 

I offer observations that a long and chequered pil- 
grimage have enabled me to make on man. 

Every church and sect of people have a set of opi- 
nions peculiar to themselves. 

May thou as well as me, be meek, patient, and for- 
giving. 

These men were under high obligations to have ad- 
hered to their friend in every situation of life. 

After I visited Europe, I returned to America. 

Their example, their influence, their fortune, every 
talent they possess, dispenses blessings on all around 
them. 

When a string of such sentences succeed one an- 
other, the effect is disagreeable. 

I have lately been in Gibraltar, and have seen the 
commander in chief. 

Propriety of pronunciation, is the giving to every 
word the sound which the politest usage of the lan- 
guage appropriates to it. 

The book is printed very neat, and on a fine wove 
paper. 

The fables of the ancients are many of them highly 
instructive. 

He resembles one of those solitary animals, that has 
been forced from its forest, to gratify human cu- 
riosity. 

There is not, nor ought not to be, such aching as 
constructive treason. 

He is a new created knight, and his dignity sits awk- 
ward on him. 



.nscuous., SYNTAX, , 103 

Hatred or revenge are things deserving of censure, 
wherever they are found to exist. 

If you please to employ your thoughts on that sub- 
ject, you would easily conceive our miserable condi- 
tion. 

His speech contains one of the grossest and mfa- 
mousest calumnies which ever was uttered. 

A too great variety of studies dissipate and weaken 

the mind. 

Those two authors have each of them their merit. 

James was resolved to not indulge himself in such 
a cruel amusement. 

The not attending to this rule, is the source of a 
very common error. 

Calumny and detraction are sparks, which if you 
do not blow, they will go out of themselves. 

Clelia is a vain woman, whom if we do not flatter, 
she will be disgusted. 

That celebrated work was nearly ten years publish- 
ed, before its importance was at all understood. 

Ambition is so insatiable that it will make any sacri- 
fices to attain its objects. 

A great mass of rocks thrown together by the nand 
of nature, with wildness and confusion, strike the mind 
with more grandeur than if they were adjusted to pna 
another with the accuratest symmetry. 

SECT. III. 
Key, p. 74. 
He showed a spirit of forgiveness, and a magnani- 
mity, that does honour to human nature. 

they that honour me, I will honour; and them that 
despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 

Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, 
Lies in three words, health, peace, and competence. 

Having thus began to throw off the restraints of 
-pason, he was soon hurried into deplorable excesses* 



iu4 exercises. {Promiscuous. 

These arts have enlightened, and will enlighten, 
every person who shall attentively study them. 

When we sueeeed in our plans, its not to be attri- 
buted always to ourselves ; the aid of others often pro- 
mote the end, and claim our acknowledgment. 

Their intentions were good ; but wanting prudence, 
they mist the mark for which they aimed. 

I have not, nor shall not consent to a proposal sd 
unjust. 

We hav£<6ubjected ourselves to much expense, thai 
thou may be well educated. 

This treaty was made at earl Moreton the governor's 
castle. 

Be especially careful, that thou givest no offence to 
the aged or helpless. 

The business was no sooner opened, but it was 
cordially acquiesced in. 

As to his general conduct, he deserved punishment 
as much, or more than his companion. He left a son 
of a singular character, and behaved so ill that he wa^ 
put in prison. 

If he does but approve my endeavours, it will be an 
ample reward. 

I heg the favour of your acceptance of a copy of a 
view of the manufactories of the West Riding of the 
county of York . 

I intended to have written the letter, before he urged 
me to it ; and, therefore, he has not all the merit of it. 

All the power of ridicule, aided by the^ desertion of 
friends, and the diminution of his estate, were not able 
to shake his principles. 

In his conduct was treachery, and in his words, 
faithless professions. 

Though the meabure be mysterious, it is worthy of 
attention. 

Be so solicitous to aid such deserving persons,, who 
appear to be destitute of friends. 

Ignorance, or the want of light, produce sensuality, 
covetousness, and those violent contests with others 



Promiscuous.) 



vinxaa. 10a 



about trifles, which occasions so much misery and 
crimes in the world. 

He will one day reap the reward of 'his labour, ii he 
is diligent and attentive. Jill that period comes, tet 
him be contented and patient. 

To the resolutions which we have, upon due con- 
sideration, once adopted as rules of conduct, let us ad- 
here firmly. 

He has little more of the great man besides the title. 

Though he was my superior in knowledge, he would 
not have° thence a right to impose his sentiments. 

That picture of the emperors, is a very exact re- 
semblance of him. 

How happy are the virtuous, who can rest on the 
protection of the powerful arm, who made the earth 
and the heavens! ' 

Prosperity and adversity may be improved equally: 
both the one and the other proceeds from the same 

author. . 

He acted conformable with his instructions, and 

cannot be censured justly. 

The orators did not forget to enlarge themselves on 

so popular a subject. 

The language of Divine Providence to all human 

agents, is, " Hitherto shalt thou come, and no farther." 
Idle persons imagine, howsoever deficient they be 

in point of duty, they consult at least their own satis- 
Good as the cause is, it is one from which numbers 

are deserted. 

The man is prudent which speaks little. 

SECT. IV. 

Key, ?. 77. 

V 

He acted independent of foreign assistance. 
Every thing that we here enjoy, change, decay, and 
~ n ™« t an end. All float on the surface of the river, 



1U6 exercises. (Promiscuous 

which is running to a boundless ocean, with a swift 
current. 

The winter has not been as severe as we expected 
it to have been. 

Temperance, more than medicines, are the proper 
means of curing many diseases. 

They understand the practical part better than him ; 
but he is much better acquainted with the theory than 
them. 

When we have once drawn the line, by intelligence 
and precision, between our duty and sin, the line w r e 
ought on no occasion to transgress. 

All those distinguished by extraordinary talents, 
have extraordinary duties to perform. 

No person could speak stronger on this subject, nor 
behave nobler, than our young advocate for the cause 
of toleration. 

His conduct was so provoking, that many will con- 
demn him, and a few will pity him. 

The peoples happiness is the statesmans honour. 

We are in a perilous situation. On one side, and 
the other, dangers meet us ; and each extreme shall 
be pernicious to virtue. 

Several pictures of the Sardinian king were trans- 
mitted to France. 

When I last saw him, he had grown considerably. 

If we consult the improvement of mind, or the 
health of body, it is well known exercise is the great 
instrument of promoting both* 

If it were them who acted so ungratefully, they are 
doubly in fault. 

Whether virtue promotes our interest or no, we 
must adhere to her dictates. 

We should be studious to avoid too much indulr 
gence, as well as restraint, in our management of 
children. 

No human happiness is so complete, as does no* 
contain some imperfection. 



Promiscuous.) sivntax. U>:, 

His father cannot hope for this success, unless his 
son gives better proofs of genius, or applies himseli 
with indefatigable labour. 

The house framed a remonstrance, where they 
spoke with great freedom of the king's prerogative. 

The conduct which has been mentioned, is one of 
those artifices which seduces men most easily, under 
appearance of benevolence. 

This is the person who we are so much obliged 
to, and who we expected to have seen, when the fa- 
vour was conferred 

He is a person of great property, but does not pos- 
sess the esteem of his neighbours. 

They were solicitous to ingratiate with those, who 
it was dishonourable to favour. 

The great diversity which takes place among men, 
is not owing to a distinction that nature made in their 
original powers, as much as to the superior diligence, 
with which some have improved those powers be- 
yond others. 

While we are unoccupied in what is good, evil is 
at hand continually. 

Not a creature is there that moves, nor a vegetable 
that grows, but what, when minutely examined, fur- 
nished materials of pious admiration. 

What can be the reason of the committee having 
delayed this business ? 

I know not whether Charles was the author, but I 
understood it to be he. 

A good and well cultivated mind, is far more pre- 
ferable than rank or riches. 

Charity to the poor, when it is governed by know- 
ledge and prudence, there are no persons who will not 
admit it to be a virtue. 

His greatest concern, and highest enjoyment, were 
to be approved in the sight of his Creator. 

Let us not set our hearts on wca a mutable, such 
an unsatisfying #orM. 



***■ exercises. (Promiscuous 

SECT. V. 

Key, p. 79. 

Shall you attain success, without that preparation, 
and escape dangers without that precaution, which is 
required of others ? 

When we see bad men to be honoured and prosper- 
ous in the world, it is some discouragement to virtue. 

The furniture was all purchased at Wentworth's the 
joiner's. 

Every member of the body, every bone, joint, and 
muscle, lie exposed to many disorders ; and the great- 
est prudence or precaution, or the deepest skill of the 
physician, are not sufficient to prevent them. 

It is right said,that though faith justify us, yet works 
must justify our faith. 

If an academy is established for the cultivation of 
our language, let them stop the license of translators, 
whose idleness and ignorance, if it be suffered to pro- 
ceed,^ will reduce us to babble a dialect of French. 

It is of great consequence that a teacher firmly be- 
lieves, both the truth and importance of those princi- 
ples which he inculcates upon others ; and that 'he not. 
only speculatively believes them, but has a lively and 
serious feeling of them. 

It is not the uttering, or the hearing certain words, 
that constitute the worship of the Almighty. It is the 
heart that praises, or prays. If the heart accompany 
not the words that are spoken, we offer a sacrifice of 
fools. 

Neither flatter or contemn the rich or the great. 

He has travelled much, and passed through many 
stormy seas and lands. 

You must be sensible that there is, and can be,no 
other person but me, who could give the information 
desired. 

^ To be patient, resigned, and thankful, under afflic^ 
tfom and disappointment?, demonstrate genuine piety. 



Alvarez was a man of corrupt principles, and of de- 
testable conduct ; and, what is still worse, ^gloried in 
his shame. 

As soon as the sense of the Supreme Being is lost, 
so soon the great check is taken off which keep under 
restraint the passions of men. Mean desire?, low 
pleasures, takes place of the greater and the nobler 
sentiments which reason and religion inspires. 

We should be careful not to follow the example of 
many persons, to censure the opinions, manners and 
customs of others, merely because they are foreign 
to us. 

Steady application, as well as genius and abilities, 
are necessary to produce eminence. 

There is, in that seminary, several students con- 
siderably skilled in mathematical knowledge. 

If Providence clothe the grass of the field, and shel- 
ters and adorns the flowers that every where grows 
wild amongst it, will he not clothe and protect his ser- 
vants and children much more ? 

We are too often hurried with the violence of pas- 
sion, or with the allurements of pleasure. 

High hopes, and florid views, is a great enemy to 
tranquillity. 

Year alter year steal something from us ; till ihe 
decaying fabric totters of itself, and crumbles at length 
into dust. 

I intended to have finished the letter before the 
bearer called,- that he might not have been detained ; 
but I was prevented by company. 

George is the most learned and accomplished of all 
the other students, that belong to the seminary. 

This excellent and well written treatise, with others 
that might be mentioned, werfe the foundation of his 
love of study. 

There can be no doubt but that the pleasures of 
tjhe mind excel those of sensrv 



1 1 exercises. {Promiscuous. 

SECT. VI. 

Key, p. 81. 

The grand temple consisted of one great, and several 
smaller edifices. 

Many would exchange gladly their honours, beau- 
ty, and riches, for that more quiet and humbler station, 
which you are now dissatisfied with. 
^ Though the scene was a very affecting one, Louis 
showed a little emotion on the occasion. 

The climate of England is not so pleasant as those 
of France, Spain, or Italy. 

Much of the good and evil that happens to us in this 
world, are owing to apparently undesigned and fortui- 
tous events : but it is the Supreme Being which secretly 
directs and regulates all things. 

To despise others on account of their poverty, or to 
value ourselves for our wealth, are dispositions hi^hlv 
culpable. & * 

This task was the easier performed, from the cheer- 
fulness with which he engaged in it. 

She lamented the unhappy fate of Lucretia, who 
seemed to her another name for chastity. 

lie has not yet cast off all the regard for decency ; 
and this is the most can be advanced in his favour. 

The -girls school was better conducted formerly 
than the boys. " 

The disappointments he has met with, or the loss of 
his much-loved friend, has occasioned a total derange- 
ment of his mental powers. 

The concourse of people were so great, that with 
difficulty we passed through them. 

All the women, children, and treasure, which re- 
mained in the city, fell under the victor's power. 

They have already made great progress in their 
studies, and, if attention and diligence continues, will 
soon fulfil the expectations of their friends. 



promiscuous. ) s rw i ax . Ill 

It is amazing his propensity to this vice, against 
every principle of interest and honour. 

These kind of vices, though they inhabit the upper 
circles of life, are not less pernicious, than those we 
meet with amongst the lowest of men. 

He acted agreeable to the dictates of prudence, 
though he were in a situation exceeding delicate. 

If I had known the distress of my friend, it would 
be my duty to have relieved him : and it would always 
have yielded me pleasure to grant him that relief. 

They admired the countryman's, as they called him, 
candour and uprightness. 

The new set of curtains did not correspond to the 
old pair of blinds. 

The tutor commends him for being more studious 
than any other pupils of the school. 

Two principles in human nature reign ; 
Self-love to urge, and reason to restrain : 
Nor that a good, nor this a bad we call ; 
Each works its end, to move or govern all. 

Temperance and exercise, howsoever little they 
may be regarded, they are the best means of preserv- 
ing health. 

He baa greatly blessed me ; yes, even I, who, load- 
ed with kindness, hath not been sufficiently grateful. 

No persons feel the distresses of others, so much as 
them that have experienced distress themselves. 

SECT. VII. 

Key, p. 83. 

Constantinople was the point, in which was concen- 
trated the learning and science of the world. 

Disgrace not your station, by that grossness of sen- 
suality, that levity of dissipation, or that insolence of 
rank, which bespeak a little mind. 

A circle, a square, a triangle, or a hexagon, please 
the eye by their regularity, as beautiful figures. 

His conduct was equally unjust as dishonourable. 



JISJ ex£Rcis£-s» {Promiseuuu. 

Though, at first, he begun to defend himself, yei, 
when the proofs appeared against htm, he dared not 
any longer to contend. 

Many persons will not believe but what they are 
free from prejudices. 

The pleasure or pain of one passion, differ from 
those of another. 

The rise and fall of the tides, in this place, makes a 
difference of about twelve feet. 

Five and seven makes twelve, and one makes thir* 
teen. , 

He did not know who to suspect. 

I had intended yesterday to have walked out, but 
1 have been again disappointed. 

The court of Spain, who gave the order, were not 
aware of the consequence. 

If the acquisitions he has made, and qualified him 
to be a useful member of society, should have been 
misapplied, he will be highly culpable. 

There was much spoke and wrote on each side of 
the question ; but I have chose to suspend my decision. 

Was there no bad men in the world, who vex and 
distress the good, they might appear in the light of 
harmless innocence ; but could have no opportunity 
for displaying fidelity and magnanimity, patience and 
fortitude. 

The most ignorant, and the most savage tribes of 
men, when they have looked round on the earth, and 
on the heavens, could not avoid ascribing their origin 
to some invisible, designing cause, and felt a propen- 
sity to adore their Creator. 

Let us not forget, that something more than gentle- 
ness and modesty, something more than complacency 
of temper and affability of manners, are requisite to 
form a worthy man, or a true Christian. 

One of the first, and the most common extreme in 
moral conduct, is placing all virtue in justice, or in 
generosity. 

It is an inflexible regard to principle, which ta$ 



/>j<WH«;UOMS.) SYNTAX. 

,ver marked the characters of them who distinguished 
SveTeminently iu public Bfe^gJ?* 
thP cause of iustice against powerful oppressors , m 
c tticaltL s have supported the falling rights and 
UbeSs of men; and /effected honour on then- nation 

an me U n l ?is with regard to trifles that ^ J or 
contrariety of opinions show themselves, it is caddish 
n the last deA-ee, if this becomes toe ground ot 
*&*t£££ When from such a cause there 
'a £e any breach of friendship, numan wea.u ~ , 
discovered then in a mortifying light. gg**%* m 
serious moment, the sentiments ol the best and woi 
S mSht var; from that of their friends, according 
as the r hnes of life diverge, or as their temper anc 
habits of thought presents objects unto ; mto 
ooints of view. But with candid and liberal niag~, 
unity of affection still will be preserved. 
"& and wishes are the first spring of wgn. 
When thev become exorbitant, the whole ol the cna 
raS 1 'like to be tainted. If we should suffer our 
fancies to create to themselves, worlds of ideal hap- 
* «.. if we shou'd feed our imagination w.th plans 
SSence an^of sp endour; if we should fix to our 
2Sn stages'of a high *»%£%£!& 
tain decrees of an uncommon reputat.on, as tm, sole 
t ™! f nf our felicity; the assured consequence shall 
£ S ;l"?£ m e ur^appy under our present 
state that we shall be unfit for acting the pa* and 
for discharging the duties that belong to it ; and -ne 
shalt dSpose the peace and order of our mmds, 
and shall foment many hurtiul passions. 

Maria always appears amiably. She never speaks 
severe or contemptuous.* ' 

. Youn* persons who studv rt^SSbS 
in paTSar constructions, ^^^^"^10 inform 



1 14 exercises. i&roiniscuou*. 

consider whether, in the case in question, quality or manner, is in 
dicated. In the former case, an adjective is proper : in the latter, 
an adverb. A number of examples will illustrate this direction, 
and prove useful on other occasions. 

She looks cold — She looks coldly on him. 

He feels warm — He feels warmly the insult offered to him. 

He became sincere and virtuous — He became sincerely virtuous. 

She lives free from care — He lives freely at another's expense. 

Harriet always appears neat — She dresses neatly. 

Charles has grown great by his wisdom — He has grown greatly 
m reputation. 

They now appear happy — They now appear happily in earnest. 

The statement seems exact — The statement seems exactly in 
point. 

The verb to be, in all its moods and tenses, generally requires the 
word immediately connected with it to be an adjective, not an ad- 
verb ; and, consequently, when this verb can be substituted for any 
other, without varying the sense or the construction, that other 
verb must also be connected with an adjective. The following 
sentences elucidate these observations : — "This is agreeable to our 
interest; That behaviour was not suitable to his station ; Rules 

h 
should be conformable to sense ;" " The rose smells sweet ; How 

is is 

sweet the hay smells I How delightful the country appears ! How 

are are 

pleasant the fields look ! The clouds look dark ; How black the 

was is were 

sky looked! The apple taste sour; How bitter the plums^ tasted? 

is 
He feels happy." In all these sentences, we can with perfect pro- 
priety, substitute some tenses of the verb to be for the- other verbs. 
But in the following sentences, we cannot do this : " The dog smells 
disagreeably ; George feels exquisitely ; How pleasantly she looks 
at us !" 

The directions contained in this note are offered as useful, not 
as complete and unexceptionable. Anomalies in language everv 
where encounter us : but we must not reject rules, because the* 
are attended with exceptions. 



PART IV. 

EXERCISES IN PUNCTUATION. 



CHAP. L 

Sentettccs which require the application of the Comma, 
disposed under the particular rules. 

Grammar, p. 177. Key, p. 86. 



RULE I. 

The tear of repentance } brings its own relief* 

Manhood^ is disgraced by the consequences of 
neglected youth. 

Idlenesses the great fomenter of all corruptions in 
the human heart. 

It is honourable ,to be a friend to the unfortunate. 

All finery, is a sign of littleness. 

Slovenliness and indelicacy of character commonly, 
go hand in hand. ' 

The friend of order } has made half his way to 
virtue. 

Too many of the pretended friendships of youth 
are mere combinations in pleasure. 

The indulgence of harsh dispositions is the intro- 
duction to future misery. 

The intermixture of evil in human society serves 
to exercise the suffering graces and virtues of the 
good. 

RULE II. 
Grammar, p. 177. Key, p. 87. 

Gentleness is in truth the great avenue to mutual 
enjoyment. 

Charity like the sun brightens all its objects. 

The tutor by instruction and discipline lavs the 
foTmdafion of the pupil's future honour 



Ut> exercises. {Comma, 

Trials in this stage of being are the lot of man- 
No assumed behaviour can always hide the real 
character. 

The best men, often experience disappointments. 
Advice should be seasonably administered. 

RULE III. 

Self-conceit presumption and obstinacy blast the 
prospect of many a youth. 

In our health life .possessions connexions pleasures 
there are causes of decay imperceptibly working. 

Discomposed thoughts agitated passions and a ruf- 
fled temper poison every pleasure of life. 

Vicissitudes of good and evil of trials and coiTSoIa>* 
tions fill up the life of man. 

Health and peace a moderate fortune and a few 
friends sum up all the undoubted articles of temporal 
felicity. 

We have no reason to complain of the lot of man 
or the world's mutability. 

RULE IV. 

■ 

An idle trifling society is near akin to such as is cor- 
rupting. 

Conscious guilt renders us mean-spirited timorous 
and base. 

An upright mind will never be at a loss to discern 
what is just and true lovely honest and of good report. 

The vicious man is often looking round him with 
anxious and fearful circumspection. 

True friendship will at all times avoid a careless or 
rough behaviour. 

Time brings a gentle and powerful opiate to all mis 
fortunes. 

RULE v. 

Grammar, p. 178. Key. S8. 

The man of virtue and honour will be trustecLrfflka 
upon and esteemed. 



Opmma.) 



BUS CT V AT ION - 1 i 7 



Deliberate slowly execute promptly. 

A true friend unbosoms freely advises justly assists 
readily adventures boldly takes all patiently defends 
resolutely and continues a friend unchangeably. 

Sensuality contaminates the body depresses the un- 
derstanding deadens the moral feelings of the heart and 
d^grades man from his rank in the creation. 

Idleness brings forward and nourishes many bad 
passions. * 

We must stand or fall by our own conduct and cha- 
racter. 

The man of order catches and arrests the hours as 
they fly. 

The great business of life is to be employed in do- 
ing justly loving mercy and walking humbly with our 
Creator. 

RULE VI. 

This unhappy person had often been seriously af- 
fectionately admonished but in vain. 

To live soberly righteously } and piously, compter 
hends the whole of our duty. 

When thy friend is calumniated openly and boldly , 
espouse his cause. 

Benefits should be long and gratefully remembered* 

RULE VII. 

True gentlenesses native feeling heightened and im- 
proved by principle. 

The path of piety and virtue pursued with a firm 
and constant spirit will assuredly lead to happiness. 

Human affairs) are in continual motion and fluctua- 
tion altering their appearance every moment and pas- 
sing into some new forms. 

What can he said to alarm those of their danger who 
intoxicated with pleasures become giddy and insolent i 
who flattered by the illusions of prosperity make light 
of every serious admonition which their friends an<& 
the changes of the worJd give them 1 



118 exercises. (Comma, 

RULE VIII. 

If from any internal cause a man's peace of mind 
be disturbed in vain we load him with riches or ho- 
nours. 

Gentleness delights above all things to alleviate dis- 
tress ; and if it cannot dry up the falling tear to sooth 
at least the grieving heart. 

Wherever Christianity prevails it has discouraged 
and in some degree abolished slavery. 

We may rest assured that by the steady pursuit ot* 
virtue we shall obtain and enjoy it. 

RULE IX. 

Grammar, p. 179. Key, p. 89. 

Continue my dear child to make virtue thy principal 
study. ^ 

To you my worthy benefactors am I indebted un- 
der Providence for all I enjoy. 

Canst thou expect thou betrayer ; of innocence to es- 
cape the hand of vengeance? 

Come then companion of my toils let us take fresh 
courage persevere and hope to the end. 

rule x. 

Peace of mind being secured we may smile at mis-* 
fortunes. 

Virtue abandoned and conscience reproaching us, 
we become terrified with imaginary evils. 

Charles having been deprived of the help of tutors 
his studies became totally neglected. 

To prevent further altercation I submitted to the 
terms proposed. 

To enjoy present pleasure he sacrificed his future 
ease and reputation. 

To say the least they have betrayed great want of 
prudence. 

rule XI. 

Hope the halm of life sooths us under every misfor 
tune. 



t "omnia- ) pun c i l a i ius . 1 1 # 

Content th.e offspring of virtue dwells both in retire- 
ment and in the active scenes of life. 

Confucius the great Chinese philosopher was emi- 
nently good as well as wise. 

The patriarch Joseph is an illustrious example of 
chastity resignation and filial affection. 

RULE XII. 

Grammar, p. 179. Key, p. 90. 

Nothing is so opposite to the true enjoyment of life 
as the relaxed and feeble state of an indolent mind. 

The more a man speaks of himself the less he likes 
to hear another talked of. 

Nothing more strongly inculcates resignation than 
the experience of our own inability to guide our- 
selves. 

The friendships of the world can subsist no longer 
than interest cements them. 

Expect no more from the world than it is able to af- 
ford you. 

RULE XIII. 

He who is a stranger to industry may possess but 
he cafnnot enjoy. 

Contrition though it may melt ought not to sink or 
overpower the heart of a Christian. 

The goods of this world were given to man for his 
occasional refreshment not for his chief felicity. 

It is the province of superiors to direct of inferiors 
to obey ; of the learned to be instructive of the igno- 
rant to be docile ; of the old to be communicative of 
the young to be attentive and diligent. 

Though unavoidable calamities make a part yet they 
make not the chief part of the vexations and sorrows 
that distress human life. 

An inquisitive and meddling spirit often interrupts 
the good ordeT and breaks the peace of society. 



i2tt &Xfckci$£s. yUomum 

RtJLE xiv. 

Grammar, p. 179* Key, p. 91. 

Vice Is not of such a nature that we can say to it 
n Hitherto shall thou come and no further." 

One of the noblest of the Christian virtues is " to 
love our enemies.*' 

Many too confidently say to themselves " My moun- 
tain stands strong and it shall never be removed." 

We are strictly enjoined " not to follow a multitude 
to do evil.*' 

RULE XV. 

The gentle mind is like the smooth stream which re- 
flects every object in ite just proportion and in its fairest 
colours. 

Beware of thtfse rash and dangerous connexions 
which may afterwards load you with dishonour. 

Blind must that man be who discerns not the most 
striking marks of a Divine government exercised over 
the world. 

It is labour only which gives the relish to pleasure, 

In that unaffected civility wbich springs from a 
gentle mind there is an incomparable charm. 

They who raise envy will easily incur censure. 

Many of the evils which occasion our complaints of 
the world are wholly imaginary. 

He who is good before invisible witnesses is Emi- 
nently so before the visible. 

His conduct so disinterested atnd generous was uni- 
versally approved. 

RULE XVI. 

Grammar, p. 180. Key, p. 92. 

The fumes which arise from a heart boiling with 
violent passions never fail to darken and trouble the 
understanding. 

If we delay till to-morrow what ought to be done 
to-day we overcharge the morrow with a burden whicb 
fi«!ongs not to iu 



Gomma*) v c si o r u atio> * 2 

By whatever' means we may at first attract the at- 
tention we can hold the esteem and secure the hearts 
of others only by amiable dispositions and the accom-* 
plishments of the mind. 

If the mind sow not corn it will plant thistles. 

One day is sufficient to scatter our prosperity and 
bring it to nought. 

Graceful in youth are the tears of sympathy and the 
heart that melts at the tale of wo. 

The ever active and restless power of thought if not 
employed about what is good will naturally and una* 
voidably engender evil. 

He who formed the heart certainly knows what 
passes within it. 

To be humble and modest in opinion to be vigilant 
and attentive in conduct to distrust fair appearances 
and to restrain rash desires are instructions which the 
darkness of our present state should strongly incul- 
cate, 

RULE XVII. 
Grammar, p. ISO. Key, p* 93. 

T^he greatest misery is to be condemned by our own 
hearts. 

The greatest misery that we can endure is to be con- 
demned by our own hearts. N 

Charles's highest enjoyment was to relieve the dis- 
tressed and to do good. 

The highest enjoyment that Charles ever experi- 
enced was to relieve the distressed and to do good. 

RULE XVIII. 

If opulence increases our gratifications it increases 
in the same proportion our desires and demands. 

He whose wishes respecting the possessions of this 
world are the most reasonable and bounded Is likely to 
lead the safest and for that reason the most desirable 
life. 

By aspiring too high we frequently miss the hap- 



*22 exercises. (Comma. 

piness which by a less ambitious aim we might have 
gained. 

By proper management we prolong our time ; we 
live more in a few years than others do in many. 

In your most secret actions suppose that you have 
all the world for witnesses. 

In youth the habits of industry are most easily ac- 
quired. 

What is the right path few take the trouble of in- 
quiring. / 

RULE XIX. 

^ Providence never intended that any state here should 
be either completely happy or entirely miserable. 

As a companion he was severe and satirical ; as a 
friend captious and dangerous; in his domestic sphere 
harsh jealous and irascible. 

If the Spring put forth no blossoms in Summer there 
will be no beauty and in Autumn no fruit. So if youth 
he trifled away without improvement manhood will be 
contemptible and old age miserable. 

RULE xx. 

Grammar, p. 181. Key, p. 94. 

Be assured then that order frugality and economy 
are the necessary supports of every personal and pri- 
vate virtue. 

I proceed secondly to point out the proper state of 
our temper with respect to one another. 

Here every thing is in stir and fluctuation ; there all 
is serene steady and orderly. 

I shall make some observations first on the external 
and next on the iniernd.] condition of man. 

Sometimes timidity and false shame prevent &«r op- 
posing vicious customs ; frequently expect/? r ,, is?J 
interest impel us strongly to comply. 



Semicolon.) punctuation 123 

CHAP. II. 

- Sentences requiring the insertion of the Semicolon and 
Comma. 

Grammar, p. 181. Key, p. 94. 
That darkness of character where we can see no 
heart those foldings of art through which no native af- 
fection is allowed to penetrate present an object una-» 
miable in every season of life but particularly odious 
iu youth. 

To give an early preference to honour above gam 
when they stand in competition to despise every advan- 
tage which cannot be attained without dishonest arU 
to brook no meanness and to stoop to no dissimulation 
are the indications of a great mind the presages of fu- 
ture eminence and usefulness in life. 

As there is a worldly happiness which God perceives 
to be no other than disguised misery as there are 
worldly honours which is in his estimation are reproach 
so there is a worldly wisdom which in his sight is fool 
ishness. 

The passions are the chief destroyers of our peace 
the storms and tempests of the moral world. 

Heaven is the region of gentleness and friendship 
jiell of fierceness and animosity. 

The path of truth is a plain and a safe path that of 
falsehood is a perplexing maze. 

Modesty is one of the chief ornaments of youth and 
it has ever been esteemed a presage of rising merit. 

Life with a swift though insensible course glides 
away and like a river which undermines its banks gra- 
dually impairs our state. 

The violent spirit like the troubled waters renders 
back the images of things distorted and broken and 
communicates to them all that disordered motion which 
arises solely from its own agitation. 

Levity is frequently the forced production of folly 
or vice cheerfulness is the natural offspring of wisdom 
and virtue onlv. 



124 exercises. (Colon, fyc. 

Persons who live according to order may be com- 
pared to the celestial bodies which move in regular 
courses and by stated laws whose influence is benefit 
cient whose operations are quiet and tranquil, 

CHAP. HI. 

Sentences requiring the application of the Colon, fyc. 

Grammar, p. 182. Key, p. 96. 

The three great enemies to tranquillity are vice su- 
perstition and idleness rice which poisons and disturbs 
the mind with bad passions superstition which fills it 
with imaginary terrors idleness which loads it with 
tediousness and disgust. 

To sail en the tranquil surface of an unruffled lake 
and to steer a safe course through a troubled and stormy 
ocean require different talents and alas ! human life 
oftener resembles the stormy ocean than the unruffled 
lake. 

When we look forward to the year which is begin- 
ning what do we behold there 1 All my brethren is a 
blank to our view a dark unknown presents itself. 

Happy would the poor man think himself if he could 
enter on all the treasures of the rich and happy for a 
short time he might be but before he had long contem- 
plated and admired his state his possessions would 
seem to lessen and his cares would grow. 

By doing or at least endeavouring to do our duty to 
God and man by acquiring an humble trust in the 
mercy and favour of God through Jesus Christ by cul- 
tivating our minds and properly employing our time 
and thoughts by governing our passions and our tem- 
per by correcting all unreasonable expectations from 
the world and from men and in the midst of worldly 
business habituating ourselves to calm retreat and seri- 
ous recollection by such means as these it may be 
hoped that through the Divine blessing our days shall 
flow in a stream as unruffled as the hnman'state admits, 



Period.) punctuation ^ 

A metaphor is a comparison expressed in an 

abridged form but without any of the words that denote 

comparison as « To the upright there anseth light m 

da Ali e our conduct towards men should be influenced 
by this important precept « Do unto others as you 
would that others should do unto you." 

Philip HI. king of Spain when he drew near the 
end of his days seriously reflecting on his past life and 
greatly affected with the remembrance ol his mispent 
time expressed his deep regret in these terms An . 
how haGpy would it have been for me had I spent m 
retirement these twenty-three years that I have pos- 
sessed my kingdom " " ■ : * ■ ■ . . 

Often is the smile of gaiety assumed whilst the heart 
aches within though folly may laugh guilt will sting. 

There is no mortal truly wise and restless at once 
wisdom is the repose of minds. 

CHAP. IV. 

Sentences which require the insertionof the Periodic' 
Grammar, p. 182. Key, p. 97. 

The absence of Evil is i real Good Peace Quiet 
exemption from pain should be a continual feast 

Worldly happiness ever tends to destroy itself by 
corrupting the heart It fosters the loose and the \ 10- 
lent passions It engenders noxious habits and taints the 
mind with false Delicacy whicn makes it feel a ihou- 

Sa Feeding thVhungry clothing the Naked co mforting 

~~* As every learner is supposed totoo^thrt the ft* *£** » 

Mftfei 

" rcis-Tthc student in the proper application of capita! letters . 
Ii 2 



126 exercises* (Period, fyc 

the afflicted yield more pleasure than we receive from 
I hose actions which respect only Ourselves Benevo- 
lence may in this view be termed the most refined self- 
love 

The Resources of Virtue remain entire when the 
Days of trouble come They remain with us in Sick- 
ness as in Health in Poverty as in the midst of Riches 
in our dark and solitary Hours no less than when sur- 
rounded with friends and cheerful Society The mind 
of a good man is a kingdom to him and he can always 
enjoy it 

We ruin the Happiness of life when we attempt to 
raise it too high A tolerable and comfortable State is 
all that we can propose to ourselves on Earth Peace 
and Contentment not Bliss nor Transport are the full 
Portion of Man Perfect joy is reserved for Heaven 

If we look around us we shall perceive that the 
Whole Universe is full of Active Powers Action is 
indeed the Genius of Nature by Motion and exertion 
the System of being is preserved in vigour Ry its dif- 
ferent parts always acting in Subordination one to an- 
other the Perfection of the Whole is carried on The 
Heavenly Bodies perpetually revolve Day and Night 
incessantly repeat their appointed course Continual 
operations are going on in the Earth and in the Waters 
Nothing stands still 

Constantine the Great was advanced to the sole Do- 
minion of the Roman World A D 325 and soon after 
openly professed the Christian Faith 

The Letter concludes with this Remarkable Post- 
script "PS Though I am innocent of the Charge and 
have been bitterly persecuted yet I cordially forgive 
my Enemies and Persecutors" 

The last Edition of that valuable Work was care- 
fully compared with the Original MS 



Dash) $C.) PUNCTUATION. 127 

CHAP. V 

Sentences requiring the application of the Dash ; of 
the Notes of Interrogation and Exclamation ; and of 
the Parenthetical characters. 

Grammar, p. 183. Key, p. 99. 
Beauty and Strength combined with Virtue and 
Piety how lovely in the sight of men how pleasing to 
Heaven peculiarly pleasing because with every Temp- 
tation to deviate they voluntarily walk in the Path of 
Duty 

Something there is more needful than expense 
And something' previous e'en to taste 'tis sense 

" I'll live to-rnorrow" will a wise man say 
To-morrow is too late then live to-day 

Gripus has long been ardently endeavouring to fill 
his Chest and lo it is now full is he happy and does 
he use it Does he gratefully think of the Giver of all 
good Things Does he distribute to the Poor Alas these 
Interests have no Place in his breast 

What is there in all the pomp of the world the En- 
joyments of Luxury the Gratification of Passion com- 
parable to the tranquil Delight of a good Conscience 

To lie down on the Pillow after a Day spent in Tem- 
perance in beneficence and in piety how sweet is it 

We wait till to-morrow to be Happy alas Why not 
to-day Shall we be younger Are we sure we shall be 
healthier Will our passions become feebler and our 
love of the world less 

What shadow can be more vain than the life of a 
great Part of Mankind Of all that eager and bustling 
Crowd which we behold on Earth how few discover 
the path of true Happiness How few can we find 
whose Activity has not been misemployed and whose 
Course terminates not in Confessions of Disappoint^ 
v ments 

On the one Hand are the Divine Approbation and 



128 exercises; (Promiscuous* 

immortal Honour on the other remember and beware 
are the stings of Conscience and endless Infamy 

As in riper Years all unseasonable Returns to the 
Levity of Youth ought to be avoided an Admonition 
which equally belongs to both the Sexes still more are 
we to guard against those intemperate Indulgences of 
Pleasure to w r hich the young are unhappily prone 

The bliss of man could pride that blessing fmr 1 

Is not to act or think beyond mankind 

Or why so long in life if long can be / 

Lent Heav'n a parent to the poor and me 



CHAP. VL 

Promiscuous examples of Defective Punctuation. 
SECT. I. 



/EXAMPLES IN PROSE. 
See the Key, p. 100. 






When Socrates was asked what man approached 
the nearest to perfect happiness he answered That 
Man who has the fewest wants 

She who studies her Glass neglects her heart 

Between Passion and Lying there is not a Fingers 
breadth 

The freer we feel ourselves in the Presence of others 
die more free are they he who is free makes free 

Addison has remarked with equal Piety and Truth 
that the Creation is a perpetual Feast to the Mind ojf 
a Good Man 

He who shuts out all evasion when he promises 
loves truth 

The laurels of the Warrior are dyed in. Blood and 
bedewed with the Tears of the Widow and the Orphan 

Between Fame and irue Honour a Distinction is to 
be made The former is a loud and noisy Applause the 



Promiscuous.) punctuation. 129 

latter a more silent and internal Homage Fame floats 
on the Breath of the Multitude Honour rests on the 
Judgment of the Thinking Fame may give Praise 
while it withholds Esteem true Honour implies Es- 
teem mingled with respect The one regards Particular 
distinguished Talents the other looks up to the whole 
character 

There is a certain species of religion if we can give 
it that Name which is placed wholly in Speculation 
:md Belief in the Regularity of external Homage or 
in fiery Zeal about contested Opinions 

Xenophanes who was reproached with being timor- 
ous because he would not venture his Money in a 
Game of Dice made this manly and sensible Reply I 
confess I am exceedingly timorous for I dare not com- 
mit an evil Action 

He loves nobly I speak of Friendship who is not 
jealous when he has Partners of love 

Our happiness consists in Ihe pursuit much more 
than in the Attainment of an} Temporal Good 

Let me repeat it He only is Great who has the Ha- 
bits of Greatness 

Prosopopoeia or Personification is a Rhetorical Fi- 
gure by which we attribute Life and Action to inani- 
mate objects as the Ground thirsts for Rain the Earth 
smiles with Plenty 

The proper and rational Conduct of Men with Re- 
gard to Futurity is regulated by two Considerations 
First that much of What it contains must remain to 
us absolutely Unknown Next that there are also some 
Events in it which may be certainly known and fore- 
seen 

The Gardens of the World produce only deciduous 
flowers Perennial ones must be sought in the Delight- 
ful Regions Above Roses without Thorns are the 
growth of Paradise alone 

How many Rules and maxims of Life might be 
spared could we fix a principle of Virtue within and 
inscribe the living Sentiment of the love of God in the 



130 exercises. (Promiscuous. 

affections He who loves righteousness is Master of all 
the distinctions in Morality 

He who from the Benignity of his Nature erected 
this World for the abode of Men He who furnished 
it so richly for our accommodation and stored it with 
so much Beauty for our Entertainment He who since 
first we entered into Life hath followed us with such a 
Variety of Mercies this Amiable and Beneficent Be- 
ing surely can have no pleasure in our Disappointment 
and distress He knows our Frame he remembers we 
are dust and looks to frail Man we are assured with 
such Pity as a Father beareth to his children 

One of the first Lessons both of Religion and of 
Wisdom is to moderate our Expectations and hopes 
and not to set forth on the Voyage of Life like Men 
who expect to be always carried forward with a favour- 
able Gale Let us be satisfied if the path we tread be 
easy and smooth though it be not strewed with Flowers 

Providence never intended that the Art of living 
happily in this World should depend on that deep Pe- 
netration that acute sagacity and those Refinements of 
Thought which few possess It has dealt more graci- 
ously with us and made happiness depend on Upright- 
ness of Intention much more than on Extent of Ca- 
pacity 

Most of our Passions flatter us in their Rise But 
their Beginnings are treacherous their Growth is im- 
perceptible and the Evils which they carry in their 
Train lie concealed until their Dominion is established 
What Solomon says of one of them holds true of them 
all that their Beginning is as when one letteth out 
Water It issues from a small Chink which once might 
have been easily stopped but being neglected it is soon 
widened by the Stream till the Bank is at last totally 
thrown down and the Flood is at Liberty to deluge the 
whole plain 

Prosperity debilitates instead of strengthening the 
Mind Its most common effect is to create an extreme 
Risibility to the slightest Wound It foments impa- 



Promiscuous. ) punctuation. \§\ 

tient Desires and raises Expectations which no Suc- 
cess can satisfy It fosters a false Delicacy which sick- 
ens in the midst of Indulgence By repeated Gratifica- 
tion it blunts the feelings of Men to what is pleasing 
and leaves them unhappily acute to whatever is uneasy 
Hence the Gale which another would scarcely feel is 
to the prosperous a rude Tempest Hence the Rose- 
leaf doubled below them on the Couch as it is told of 
the effeminate Sybarite breaks their Rest Hence the 
Disrespect shown by Mordecai preyed with such Vio- 
lence on the Heart of Haman 

Anxiety is the Poison of Human Life It is the Pa- 
rent of many Sins and of more Miseries In a World 
where every thing is so doubtful where we may suc- 
ceed in our Wish and be miserable where we may be 
disappointed and be blest in the Disappointment what 
mean this restless Stir and Commotion of Mind Can 
our Solicitude alter ^the Course or unravel the Intrica- 
cy of Human Events Can our Curiosity pierce through 
the Cloud which the Supreme Being hath made im- 
penetrable to Mortal Eye 

No situation is so remote and no Station so unfa- 
vourable as to preclude access to the happiness of a 
future State A Road is opened by the Divine Spirit 
to those blissful Habitations from all Corners of the 
Earth and from all Conditions of Human Life from 
the peopled City and from the solitary Desert from 
the Cottagers of the Poor and from the Palaces of 
Xings from the Dwellings of Ignorance and Simplicity 
and from the Regions of Science and Improvement 

The Scenes which present themselves at our enter- 
ing upon the World are commonly flattering Whatever 
they be in themselves the lively Spirits of the Young 
gild every opening Prospect The Field of Hope ap- 
pears to stretch wide before them Pleasure seems to 
put forth its Blossoms on every Side Impelled by 
Desire forward they rush with inconsiderate Ardour 
prompt to decide and to choose averse to hesitate or 
*o Inquire credulous because untaught by Experience 



132 EXBitcrsfcs. (Promiscuous* 

rash because unacquainted with Danger headstrong 
because unsubdued by Disappointment Hence arise 
the Perils to which they are exposed and which too 
often from Want of Attention to faithful Admonition 
precipitate them into Ruin irretrievable. 

By the unhappy Excesses of Irregular Pleasure in 
Youth how many amiable Dispositions are corrupted 
or destroyed How many rising Capacities and Powers 
are suppressed How many flattering Hopes of Parents 
and Friends are totally extinguished Who but must 
drop a Tear over Human Nature when he beholds that 
Morning which arose so bright overcast with such un- 
timely Darkness that Sweetness of Temper which 
once engaged many Hearts that Modesty which was 
so prepossessing those Abilities which promised exten- 
sive Usefulness all sacrificed at the Shrine of low Sen- 
suality and one who was formed for passing through 
Life in the midst of Public Esteem cut off by his 
Vices at the Beginning of his Course or sunk for the 
whole of it into Insignificance and Contempt These 
sinful Pleasure are thy Trophies It is thus that co- 
operating with the Foe of God and Man thou de* 
gradest Human Honour and blastest the opening Pros* 
pects of Human Felicity* 



i 



Promiscuom.j t l .n c i l a ; io>\ '133 

SECT. II. 

EXAMPLES IN TOETRV. 

See the Key, p. 105, 

Where thy true treasure Gold says not in me 
And not in me the Diamond Gold is poor 

The scenes of business tell us what are men 
The scenes of pleasure what is all beside 

Wo then apart if wo apart can be 
From mortal man and fortune at our nod 
The gay rich great triumphant and august 
What are they The most happy strange to sat 
Convince me most of human misery 

All this dread order break for whom for thee 
Vile worm O madness pride impiety 

Man like the generous vine supported lives 

The strength he gains is from the embrace he gives 

Know nature s children all divide her care 
The fur that warms a monarch warm d a bear 
While man exclaims see all things for my use 
See man for mine replies a pamper d goose 
And just as short of reason he must fall 
Who thinks all made for one not one for all 

The Almighty from his throne on earth surveys 
Nought greater than an honest humble heart 
An humble heart his residence pronounc d 
His second seat 

Bliss there is none but unprecarious bliss 
That is the gem sell all and purchase that 
Why go a begging to contingences 
Not gain d with ease nor safely lov d if gain d 

There is a time when toil must be preferr il 
Or joy by mistim d fondness is undone 
A man of pleasure is a man of pains 

Thus nature gives us let it check our pride 
The virtue nearest to our vice allied 

See the sole bliss Hcav n could on all bestow 
r vK;-Vs vrho but feels can taste but thinks can fcnfrtt 
M 



1#4 iiX£Uuiii£s. (Promiscuous; 

Yet poor with fortune and with learning blind 
The bad must miss the good untaught will find 

Whatever is is right This world lis true 

Was made from Caesar but for Titus too 

And which more blest who chain d his country say 

Or he whose virtue sigh d to lose a day 

The first sure symptom of a mind in health 

Is rest of heart and pleasure felt at home 

• 
True happiness resides in things unseen 
No smiles of fortune ever bless the bad 
Nor can her frowns rob innocence of joy 

Oh the dark days of vanity while here 
How tasteless and how terrible when gone 
Gone they ne er go when past they haunt us slill 

Father of light and life Thou good supreme 
O teach me what is good Teach me thyself 
Save me from folly vanity and vice 
From ev ry low pursuit and feed my soul 
With knowledge conscious peace and virtue pure 
Sacred substantial never fading bliss 

If I am right thy grace impart 

Still in the right to stay 
If I am wrong O teach my heart 

To find that better way 

Scive me alike from foolish pride 

Or impious discontent 
At ought thy wisdom has denied 

Or aught thy goodness lent 

O lost to virtue lost to manly ftiotguf 
Lost to the noble sallies of the soul 
Who think it solitude to be alone 
Communion sweet communion large and high 
Our reason guardian angel and our God 
Then nearest these when others most remote 
And all ere long shall be remote but these 

Benevolence. 

God loves from whole to parts but human sou! 
Must rise from individual to the whole 






Promiscuous.) punctuation. 135 

Self love but serves the virtuous mind to wake 
As the small pebble stirs the peaceful lake 
The centre mov d a circle straight succeeds 
Another still and still another spreads 
Friend parent neighbour first it will embrace 
His country next and next all human race 
Wide and more wide th o erflo wings of the mind 
Take ev ry creature in of ev ry kind 
Earth smiles around with boundless bounty blest 
And heav n beholds its image in his breast 

Happiness. 
Know then this truth enough for man to know 
Virtue alone is happiness below 
The only point where human bliss stands still 
And tastes the good without the fall to ill 
Where only merit constant pay receives 
Is blest in what it takes and what it gives 
The joy unequall d if its end it gain 
And if it lose attended with no pain 
Without satiety tho e er so blest 

And but more relish d as the more distress d • 

The broadest mirth unfeeling folly wears 
Less pleasing far than virtue s very tears 
Good from each object from each place acquir d 
For ever exercis d yet never tir d 
Never elated while one man s oppress d 
Never dejected while another s blest 
And where no wants no wishes can remain 
Since but to wish more virtue is to gain 

Gratitude. 
When all thy mercies my God 

My rising soul surveys 
Transported with the view I m lost 

In wonder love and praise 

Oh how shall words with equal warmth 

The gratitude declare 
That glows within my ravish d heart 

But thou canst read it there 

Thy providence my life sustain d 

And all my wants redress d 
When in the silent womb I lay 

And hung upon the* breast 



36 fcxaucisEs. (PrquMtiUou* » 

To all my weak complaints and cries 

Thy mercy lent an ear 
Ere yet my feeble thoughts had learnt 

To form themselves in pray r 

Unnumber d comforts to my soul 

Thy tender care bestow d 
Before my infant heart conceiv d 

From whom those comforts flow d 

When in the slipp ry paths of youth 

With heedless steps I ran 
Thine arm unseen convey d me safe 

And led me up to man 

Through hidden dangers toils and death 

It gently clear d my way 
And through the pleasing snares of vice 

More to be fear d than they 

When worn with sickness oft hast thou 

With health renew d my face 
And when in sin and sorrow sunk 

Reviv d my soul with grace 

Thy bounteous hand with worldly bliss 

Has made my cup run o er 
And in a kind and faithful friend 

Has doubled all my store 

Ten thousand thousand precious gifts 

My daily thanks employ 
Nor is the least a cheerful heart 

That tastes those gifts with joy 

Through every period of my life 

Thy goodness 1 11 pursue 
And after death in distant worlds 

The glorious theme renew 

W hen nature fails and day and night 

Divide thy works no more 
My ever grateful heart O Lord 

Thy mercy shall adore 

Through all eternity to thee 

A joyful song 1 11 raise 
For O eternity s too short 

To utter all thy praiue 



1H7 
Promiscuous.) actuation. 

The Voyage of life. 

All in some darling enterprise embark d 

But where is he can fathom its event 

\mid a multitude of artless hands 

Ruin s sure perquisite her lawful P"» h d 

Vnmr steer aright but the black blast blows nam 

IffpKtiK wide of hope With hearts of proof 

Full against wind and tide some win their way 

And when strong effort has deserv d the port 

\nd tu«"r d it into view tis won Us lost _ 

Thou-nrtnm- their oar still stronger is their fate 

'Se^strike and while they triumph they empire 

In stress of weather most some sink ou right 

O er them and o er their names the billows close 

To morrow knows not they were ever bora 

Others a short memorial leave behind 

Like a flag floating when the barks ingulf d 

It floats a moment and is seen no more 

One Caesar lives a thousand are forgot 

How few favour d byev ry element 

wKelUog sails make good tt»e promis d port 

W i h all their wishes freighted Yet ev n these 

Freighted with all their wishes soon complain 

Freedom misfortune not from nature free 

They still are men and when is man secure 

As fatal time as storm The rush of years 

Beats dow n their strength their numberless escapes 

In ruin end and now their proud success 

But plants new terrors on the victor s brow 

What pain to quit the world ,,ust made : their own 

Their ne ts soVeply down d and built so , high 

Too low they build who build beneath the stars. 



PART V. 

HXERCISES TO PROMOTE PERSPICUOUS AND ACCURATE 
WRITING. 

First, with respect to single words and phrases. 



CHAP. I. 

Containing violations of the Rules of Purity 
Grammar, p. 188. Key, p. 110. 

We should be employed dailily in doing good. 

It irks me to see so perverse a disposition. 

I wot not who has done this thing. 

He is no way thy inferior ; and, in this instance is 
no ways to blame. 

The assistance was welcome, and timelily afforded. 

For want of employment, he stroamed idly abGiit 
the fields. 

We ought to live soberly, righteously, and godlily 
in the world. 

He was long indisposed, and at length died of the 
hyp. 

That word follows the general rule, and takes the 
penult accent. 

He was an extra genius, and attracted much atten- 
tion. 

The hauteur of Florio was very disgracious, and 
disgusted both his friends and strangers. 

He charged me with want of resolution, in the which 
he was greatly mistaken. 

They have manifested great candidness in all the 
transaction. 

The naturalness of the thought greatly recom- 
mended it. 



Parity.) PEiispicunr ? &c. ia^ 

The importance, as well as the authenticaluess of 
the books, has been clearly displayed. 

It is difficult to discover the spirit and intendment 
of some laws. 

The disposition which he exhibited, was both unna- 
tural and incomfortable. 

His natural severity rendered him a very impopular 
speaker. 

The disquietness of his mind, made his station and 
wealth far from being enviable. 

I received the gift with pleasure, but I shall now 
gladlier resign it. 

These are the things highliest important to the 
growing age. 

It grieveth me to look over so many blank leaves,, 
in the book of my life. 

It repenteth me that I have so long walked h> the 
paths of folly. 

Methinks I am not mistaken in an opinion, which I 
have so well considered. 

They thought it an important subject, and the ques- 
tion was strenuously debated pro and con. 

Thy speech bewrayeth thee ; for thou art a Gali- 
lean. 

Let us not give too hasty credit to stories which 
may injure our neighbour : peradventure they are the 
offspring of calumny, or misapprehension. 

The gardens were void of simplicity and elegance, 
and exhibited much that was glaring: and bizarre* - 



140 exercises. (Propriety. 

CHAP. H. 

Containing violations of the Rules of Propriety. 
Grammar, p. 189. Key, p. 112. 

SECT. I. 

Avoid low expressions. 

I had as lief do it myself, as persuade another to do it. 

Of the justness of his measures he convinced his op- 
ponent by dint of argument. 

He is not a whit better than those whom he so libe- 
rally condemns. 

He stands upon security, and will not liberate him 
till it be obtained. 

The meaning of the phrase, as I take it, is very 
different from the common acceptation 

The favourable moment should be embraced ; for 
he does not hold long in one mind. 

He exposed himself so much amongst the people, 
that he had like to have gotten one or two broken 
heads. 

He was very dexterous in smelling out the views 
and designs of others. 

If his education was but a little taken care of, he 
might be very useful amongst his neighbours. 

He might have perceived, with half an eye, the 
difficulties to which his conduct exposed him. 

If I happen to have a little leisure upon my hands 
to-morrow, I intend to pay them a short visit. 

This performance is much at one with the other. 

The scene was new, and he was seized with won- 
derment at all he saw 



Propriety.) perspicuity, &c. 4 1 

SECT. II. 

Supply words that are wanting. 
Grammar, p. 189. Key, p. 112. 

Let us consider the works of nature and art, vvitn 
proper attention. 

He is engaged in a treatise on the interests of the 
soul and body. 

Some productions of nature rise in value, accord- 
ing as they more or less resemble those of art. 

The Latin tongue, in its purity, was never in this 
island. 

For some centuries, there was a constant intercourse 
between France and England, by the dominions we 
possessed there, and the conquests we made. 

He is impressed with a true sense of that function, 
when chosen from a regard to the interests of piety 
and virtue. 

The wise and foolish, the virtuous and the vile, the 
learned and ignorant, the temperate and profligate, 
s must often* like the wheat and tares, be blended to 
gether. 

SECT. III. 

In the same sentence, be careful not to use the same 
word too frequently, nor in different senses. 

Grammar, p. 189. Key, p. 113* 

An eloquent speaker may give more, but cannot give 
more convincing arguments, than this plain man 
offered. 

They were persons of very moderate intellects, evev 
before they were impaired by their passions. 



142 exercises. (Propriety. 

True wit is nature dressed to advantage ; and yet 
some works have more wit than does them good. 

The sharks, who prey upon the inadvertency of 
young heirs, are more pardonable than those, who 
trespass upon the good opinion of those, who treat 
them with great confidence and respect. 

Honour teaches us properly to respect ourselves* 
and to violate no right or privilege of our neighbour : 
it leads us to support the feeble, to relieve the distres- 
sed, and to scorn to be governed by degrading and in- 
jurious passions : and yet we see honour is the motive 
which urges the destroyer to take the life of his friend. 

He will be always with you to support and comfort 
you, and in some measure to succeed your labours ; 
and he will also be with all his faithful ministers, who 
shall succeed you in his service. 

SECT. IV. 

Avoid the injudicious use of technical terms.* 
Grammar, p. 190. Key, p. 114. 

Most of our hands were asleep in their births, when 
the vessel shipped a sea, that carried away our pinnace 
and binnacle. Our dead-lights were in, or we should 
have filled. The mainmast was so sprung, that we 
were obliged to fish it, and bear away for Lisbon. 

The book is very neatly printed : the scale-boards 
ing is ample and regular, and the register exact. 

* The examples under this section, and perhaps a few others in 
different parts of the book, may be too difficult for learners to cor- 
rect without assistance ; but as some illustration of the rules to 
which they relate 2 was requisite, they could not properly be omit- 
ted. By an attentive perusal of them, and a subsequent application 
to the 'Teacher, or to the Key, the scholar will perceive the nature 
of the rule, and the mode in which similar errors may be rectified. 



Propriety,) perspicuity, &c. 14& 

SECT. V. 

Avoid equivocal or ambiguous words 
Grammar, p. 190. Key, p. 114. 

When our friendship is considered, how is it possi- 
ble that I should not grieve for his loss? 

The eagle killed the hen, and eat her in her own nest. 

It may be justly said, that no laws are better than 
the English. 

The pretenders to polish and refine the English 
language, have chiefly multiplied abuses and absurdities. 

The English adventurers, instead of reclaiming the 
natives from their uncultivated manners, were gra- 
dually assimilated to the ancient inhabitants, and de- 
generated from the customs of their own nation. 

It has been said, that not only Jesuits can equivocate. 

You will not think that these people, when injured, 
have the least right to our protection. 

Solomon the son of David, who built the temple of 
Jerusalem, was the richest monarch that reigned over 
the Jewish people. 

Solomon the son of David, who was persecuted by 
Saul, was the richest monarch of the Jews. 

It is certain that all words which are signs of com- 
plex ideas, may furnish matter of mistake and cavil. 

Lisias promised to his father, never to abandon his 
friends. 

The Divine Being heapeth favours on his servants, 
ever liberal and faithful. 

Every well instructed scribe, is like a householder, 
who bringeth out of his treasure things new and old. 

He was willing to spend a hundred or two pounds 
rather than be enslaved. 

Dryden makes a very handsome observation, on 
Ovid's writing a letter from Dido to j£neas, in the 
following words, 

Imprudent associations disqualify us for the instroc- 
•eproof of cthetfs 



i44 exekcises. ^Propriety 

SECT. VI. 

Avoid unintelligible, and inconsistent ivords and phrases. 
Grammar, p. 190. Key, p. 116. 

I seldom see a noble building, or any great piece of 
magnificence and pomp, but I think, how little is all 
this to satisfy the amMtion, or to fill the idea, of an im- 
mortal soul. 

A poet, speaking of the universal deluge, says ; 

Yet when that flood in its own depth was drown'd, 
It left behind it false and slipp'ry ground. 

The author of the Spectator says, that «t man is not 
qualified for a bust, who has not a good deal of wit and 
vivacity, even in the ridiculous side of his character. 

And Bezaleel made the laver of brass, and the fco£ 
of it of brass, of the looking-glasses of the women, 

And, in the lowest deep, a lower deep 
Still threat'ning to devour me, opens wide. 

SECT. VII. 

Avoid all such words and phrases, as are not adapted 
to the ideas you mean to communicate ; or which are 
less significant than others, of those ideas. 

Grammar, p. 192. Key, p. 116. 

No less than two hundred scholars have been edu- 
cated in that school. 

The attempt, however laudable, was found to be im- 
practicable, V 

He is our mutual benefactor, and deserves our re- 
spect and obedience. 

Vivacity is often promoted, by presenting a sensible 
object to the mind, instead of an intelligible one. 

They broke down the banks, and the country was 
soon overflown. 

The garment was decently formed, and sown verf 
Deafly, 



Propriety 1) jperspiclti v, &c; 

The bouse is a cold one, for it has a north exposition, 
The proposition, for each of us to relinquish sorne 
thing, was complied with, and produced a cordial re- 
concilement. 

Though learn'd, well bred ; and though well bred, sincere ; 
Modestly bold, and humanly severe. 

A fop is a risible character, in every one's view hut 
his own. 

An action that excites laughter, without any mixture 
of contempt, may be called a ridiculous action. 

It is difficult for him to speak three sentences to- 
gether. 

By this expression, I do not intend what some per- 
sons annex to it. 

The negligence of timely precaution was the cause 
of this great loss. 

All the sophism which has been employed, cannot 
obscure so plain a truth. 

Disputing should always be so managed, as to re- 
member that the only end of it is truth. 

My friend was so ill that he could not set up at all, 
but was obliged to lay continually in bed. 

A certain prince, it is said, when he invaded the 
Egyptians, placed, in the front of his army, a number 
of cats and other animals, which were worshipped by 
those people. A reverence for these phantoms, made 
the Egyptians lie down their arms, and become an. 
easy conquest. 

The presence of the Deity, and the interest such an 
august cause is supposed to take in our concerns, is a 
source of consolation. 

And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of 
the hall, and were set down together, Peter set down 
among them. 

By the slavish disposition of the senate and people 
of Rome, under the emperors, the wit and eloquence 
of the age were wholly turned into panegyric. 

The refreshment came in seasonably, before tjfeey 
veie laid down to rest. 



146 exercises* {Propriety. 

We speak that we do know, and testify that we have 
seen. 

They shall flee as the eagle that hasteth to eat. 

The wicked fly when no man pursueth: but tha 
righteous are bold as a lion. 

He died with violence; for he was killed by » 

sword* 

A creature of a more exalted kind 

Was wanting yet, and then was man dcsign'd. 

He had scarcely taken the medicine, than he began 
to feel himself relieved. 

No place and no object appear to him void of beauty. 

When we fall into a person's conversation, the first 
thing we should consider, is, the intention of it. 

Galileo discovered the telescope ; Hervey invented 
the circulation of the blood. 

Philip found an obstacle to the managing of the 
Athenians, from the nature of their dispositions ; bat, 
the eloquence of Demosthenes was the greatest diffi- 
culty in his designs. 

A hermit is rigorous in his life ; a judge, austere In 
his sentences. 

A candid man avows his mistake, and is forgiven ; a 
patriot acknowledges his opposition to a bad minister. 
and is applauded. 

We have enlarged our family and expenses ; and 
increased our garden and fruit orchard. 

By proper reflection, we may be taught to mend 
what is erroneous and defective. 

The good man is not overcome by disappointment 
when that which is mortal passes away; when that 
which is mutable, dies; and when that which he 
knew to be transient, begins to change, 



Precision.) punctuation. 147 

CHAR IIL 

Containing violations of the Rules of Precision. 

Grammar, p. 193. Key, p. 119. 

This great politician desisted from, and renounced 
his designs, when he found them impracticable. 

He was of so high and independent a spirit, that he 
abhorred and detested being in debt. 

Though raised to an exalted station, she was a pat- 
tern of piety, virtue, and religion. 

The human body may be divided into the head,, 
trunk, limbs, and vitals. ' 

His end soon approached ; and he died with great 
courage and fortitude. 

He was a man of so much pride and vanity; that he 
cjespised the sentiments of others. 

Poverty induces, and cherishes dependence ; and 
dependence strengthens and increases corruption. 

This man, on all occasions, treated his inferiors with 
great haughtiness and disdain. 

There can be no regularity or order in the life and 
conduct of that man who does not give and allot a due 
share of his time, to retirement and reflection. 

Such equivocal and ambiguous expressions, mark a 
formed intention to deceive and abuse us. 

His cheerful, happy temper, remote from discon- 
tent, keeps up a kind of daylight in his mind, excludes 
every gloomy prospect, and fills it with a steady and 
perpetual serenitv. 



■i® exercises. (Cleame 



Secondly. Exer rises to promote perspicuity and ace 
racy, with respect to the construction of Sentence, 



s. 



CHAP. I. 

Containing sentences in which the Rules of Clearness 
are violated. 

Grammar, p. 197. Hey, p. 120. 

SECT. I. 

In the position of Adverbs. 

Hence the impossibility appears, that an undertak- 
ing managed so, should prove successful. 

May not we here say with the poet, that " virtue is 
Its own reward V 7 

Had he died before, would not then this art have 
been wholly unknown 1 

Not to exasperate him, I only spoke a very few words. 

The works of art receive a great advantage from the 
resemblance which they have to those of nature, be- 
cause here the similitude is not only pleasant, but the 
pattern is perfect. 

It may be proper to give some account of those 
practices, anciently used on such occasions, and only 
'liseon tinned through the neglect and degeneracy of 
later times. 

Sixtus the fourth was, if I mistake not, a great col- 
lector of books at least. 

If Louis XIV. was not the greatest king, he was 
the best actor of majesty, at least, that ever filled a 
throne. 

These forms of conversation, by degrees multiplied 
and grew troublesome. 

Nor does this false modesty expose us only to such 
actions as are indiscreet., hut very often to such as are 
Msrhlr criminal 



QUamess. • perspicuity, &c. 149 

By greatness, I do not only mean the bulk of any 
single object, but the largeness of a whole view. 

T was engaged formerly in that business, but I never 
shall be again concerned in it. 

We do those things frequently, which we repent of 
afterwards. 

By doing the same thing, it often becomes habitual. 

Most nations, not even excepting the Jews, were 
prone to idolatry. 

Raised to greatness without merit, he employed his 
poorer for the gratification solely of his passions. 

SECT. XL 

In the position of circumstances, and of particular 
members. 

Grammar, p. 193. Key, p. 121. 

'1 he embarrassments of the artificers, rendered the 
progress very slow of the work. 

He found the place replete with winders, of which 
he proposed to solace himself with the contemplation, 
if he should never be able to accomplish his flight. 

They are now engaged in a study, of which they 
have long wished to know the usefulness. 

This was an undertaking, which, in the execution, 
proved as impracticable, as had turned out every other 
of their pernicious, yet abortive schemes. 

He thought that the presbyters would soon become 
more dangerous to the magistrates, than had ever been 
the prelatical clergy. 

Frederick, seeing it was impossible to trust, with 
safety, his life in their hands, was obliged to take the 
Mahometans for his guard. 

The emperor refused to convert at once, the truce 
into a definitive treaty. 

However, the miserable remains were, in the nighty 
taken down, 



150 exercises. (Clearness. 

I have settled the meaning of those pleasures of the 
imagination, which are the subject of my present un- 
dertaking, by way of introduction, in this paper ; and 
endeavoured to recommend the pursuit of those plea- 
sures to my readers, by several considerations : I shall 
examine the several sources from whence these plea- 
sures are derived, in my next paper. 

Sir Francis Bacon, in his Essay upon Health, has 
not thought it improper to prescribe to his reader a 
poem, or a prospect, where he particularly dissuades 
him from knotty and subtle disquisitions ; and advises 
him to pursue studies that fill the mind with splendid 
and illustrious objects, as history, poetry, and content 
plations of nature, 

If the English reader would see the notion explain- 
ed at large, he may find it in Locke's Essay on the 
Human Understanding. 

Fields of corn form a pleasant prospect ; and if the 
walks were a little taken care of that lie between them, 
they would display neatness, regularity, and elegance. 

Though religion will indeed bring us under some 
restraints, they are very tolerable, and not only so, but 
desirable on the whole. 

I have confined myself to those methods for the ad- 
vancement of piety, which are in the power of a prince, 
limited like ours, by a strict execution of the laws. 

This morning, when one of the gay females was 
looking over some hoods and ribands, brought by her 
tirewoman, with great care and diligence, I employed 
no less in. examining the box which contained them. 

Since it is necessary that there should be a perpetual 
intercourse of buying and selling, and dealing upon 
credit, where fraud is permitted or connived at, or has 
no law to punish it, the honest dealer is often undone, 
and the knave gets the advantage. 

Though energetic brevity is not adapted alike to 
every subject, we ought to avoid its contrary, on every 
occasion, a languid redundancy of words. It is pro- 
per to fee copious sometimes, but never to be verbose, 



harness.) perspicuity, &c. 151 

A monarchy, limited like ours, may be placed, for 
aught I know, as it has been often represented; just in 
the middle point, from whence a deviation leads, on 
the one hand, to tyranny, and, on the other, to anarchy. 
Having already shown how the fancy is affected by 
the works of nature, and afterwards considered, in 
general, both the works of nature and of art, how they 
mutually assist and complete each other, in forming 
such scenes and prospects as are most apt to delight 
the mind of the beholders ; I shall in this paper throw 
together some reflections, &c. 

Let but one great, brave, disinterested, active man 
arise, and he will be received, venerated, and followed. 
Ambition creates seditions, wars, discords, hatred, 
and shiness. 

The scribes made it their profession to teach and to 
study the law of Moses. 

Sloth pours upon us a deluge of crimes and evils, 
and saps the foundation of every virtue. 

The ancient laws cf Rome were so far from suffer- 
ing a Roman citizen to be put to death, that they would 
not allow him to be bound, or even to be whipped. 

His labours to acquire knowledge have been pro- 
ductive cf great satisfaction and success. 

He was a man of the greatest prudence, virtue, 
justice, and modesty. 

His favour or disapprobation was governed by the 
failure or success of an enterprise. 

He did every thing in his power to serve his bene- 
factor ; and had a grateful sense of the benefits re- 
ceived. 

Many persons give evident proof, that either they 
do not feel the power of the- principles of religion, or 
that they do not believe them. 

As the guilt of an officer will be greater than that 
of a common servant, if he prove negligent; so the 
reward of his fidelity will proportionally be greater. 

The comfort annexed to goodness is the pious man's 
strength. It inspires his zeal. It attaches his heart 



io2 exekcises. (Clearness. 

to religion. It accelerates his progress ; and supports 
his constancy. 

SECT. III. 

In the disposition of the relative pronouns who, 
which, what, whose, and of all those participles, which 
express the connexion of the parts of speech with one 
another. 

Grammar, p. 199. Key, p. 124. 

These are the master's rules, who must be obeyed* 

They attacked Northumberland's house, whom 
they put to death. 

He laboured to involve his minister in ruin, who 
had been the author of it. 

It is true what he says, but it is not applicable to the 
point. y 

The French marched precipitately as to an assured 
victory ; whereas the English advanced very slowly 
and discharged such flights of arrows, as did great 
execution. When they drew near the archers, per- 
ceiving that they were out of breath, they charged 
them with great vigour. 

He was taking a view, from a window, of the ca- 
thedral in Lichfield, where a party of the royalists had 
fortified themselves. 

We no where meet with a more splendid or pleasing 
show in nature, than what appears in the heavens at 
the rising and setting of the sun, which is wholly made 
up of those different stains of light, that show them- 
selves in clouds of a different situation. 

There will be found a round million of creatures in 
human figure, throughout this kingdom, whose whole 
subsistence, &c. 

It is the custom of the Mahometans, if they see any 
printed or written paper upon the grounxl, to take it 
up, and lay it aside carefully, as not knowing but it 
may contain some piece of their Alcoran. 

The laws r>f nature are. truly? what Lord #aco$ 



Unity. j perspicuity, &c. 15^ 

styles his aphorisms, laws of law*. Civil laws are 
always imperfect, and often false deductions from 
them, or applications of them ; nay, they stand, in 
many instances, in direct opposition to them. 

It has not a word, says Pope, but what the author 
religiously thinks in it. 

Many act so directly contrary to this method, that 
from a habit of saving time and paper, which they ac- 
quired at the university, they write in so diminutive a 
manner, that they can hardly read what they have 
written. 

Thus I have fairly given you my own opinion, as 
well as that of a grdat majority of both houses here, 
relating to this weighty affair ; upon which I am con- 
fident you may securely reckon. 

If we trace a youth from the earliest period of life, 
who has been well educated, we shall perceive the 
wisdom of the maxims here recommended. 

CHAP. II. 

Containing sentences in which the rules of Unity are 
violated. 

Grammar, p. 200. Key, p. 126. 

SECT. L 

During the course of the sentence, the scene should be 
changed as little as possible. 

A short time after this injury, he came to himself ; 
and the next day, they put him on board a ship, which 
conveyed him first to Corinth, and thence to the island 
of iKgina. 

The Britons, daily harassed by cruel inroads from 
:he Picts, were forced to call in the Saxons for their 
-defence ; who consequently reduced the greater part 
af the island to their own power ; drove the Brito&? 



I £4 a*, ji kg i s e s, ( JJni tu 

into the most rei *ote and mountainous parts ; and the 
rest of the country, in customs, religion, and language, 
became wholly Saxons. 

By eagerness of temper, and precipitancy of indul- 
gence, men forfeit all the advantages which patience 
would have procured ; and, by this means, the oppo- 
site evils are incurred to their full extent. 

This prostitution of praise does not only affect the 
gross of mankind, who take their notion of characters 
from the learned ; but also the better sort must, by 
this means, lose some part at least of their desire of 
fame, when they find it promiscuously bestowed on 
the meritorious and undeserving. , 

All the precautions of prudence, moderation, and 
condescension, which Eumenes employed, were inca- 
pable of mollifying the hearts of those barbarians, and 
of extinguishing their jealousy ; and he must have 
enounced his merit and virtue which occasioned it, 
to have been capable of appeasing them. 

He who performs every employment in its due 
place and season, suffers no part of time to escape with- 
out profit ; and thus his days become multiplied ; and 
much of life is enjoyed in little space. 

Desires of pleasure usher in temptation, and the 
growth of disorderly passions is forwarded. 

SECT. II. 

We should never crowd into one sentence, things 
which have so little connexion, that then could bear 
io he divided into two or three sentences. 

Grammar, p. 201. Key, p. 127. 

The notions of lord Sunderland were always good; 
but he was a man of great expense. 

In this uneasy state, both of his public and private 
life, Cicero was oppressed by a new and deep affliction, 
the death of his Irel.ov^d daughter Tullia: which hap 



Unity.) r^KsricuTifj &c. ioi 

pened soon after her divorce from Dolabslla ; whose 
manners and humours were entirely disagreeable tb 
her. 

The sun approaching melts the snow, and breaks 
the icy fetters of the main, where vast sea-monsters 
pierce through floating islands, with arms which can 
withstand the crystal rock ; whilst others, that of them- 
selves seem great as islands, are, by their bulk alone, 
armed against all but man, whose superiority over 
creatures of such stupendous size and force, should 
make him mindful of bis privilege of reason ; and 
force him humbly to adore the great Composer of 
these wondrous frames, and the Author o^ his own su- 
perior wisdom. 

I single Strada out among the moderns, because he 
had the foolish presumption to censure Tacitus, and to 
write history himself; and my friend will forgive this 
short excursion in honour of a favourite writer. 

Boast not thyself of to-morrow ; thou knowest not 
whaj a day may bring forth : and, for the same reason, 
despair not of to-morrow ; for it may bring forth good 
as well as evil ; which is a ground for not vexing thy- 
self with imaginary fears ; for the impending black 
cloud, which is regarded with so much dread, may 
pass by harmless : or though it should discharge the 
storm, yet before it breaks, thou inayest be lodged in 
that lowly mansion which no storms ever touch. 

SECT. III. 

We should keep char of all unnecessary parenUicscs, 

Grammar, p. 203. Key, p. 123. 

Disappointments will often happen to the best and 
wisest men, (not through any imprudence of theirs, 
nor even through the malice or ill design of others : 
but merely in consequence of some of those cross in 
iients of life which could net be foreseen.) aftd 
sometimes to the wisest and best concerted rfs 



LoU exercises. (Slrtijgtil: 

Without some degree of patience exercised under 
injuries, (as offences and retaliations would succeed to 
one another in endless train,) human life would be 
rendered a state of perpetual hostility. 

Never delay till to-morrow, (for to-morrow is not 
yours ; and though you should live to enjoy it, you must 
not overload it with a burden not its own,) what reason 
and conscience tell you ought to be performed to-day. 

We must not imagine that there is, in true religion, 
any thing which overcasts the mind with sullen gloom 
and melancholy austerity, (for false ideas may be en- 
tertained of religion, as false and imperfect concep- 
tions of virtue have often prevailed in the world,) or 
which derogates from that esteem which men are ge- 
nerally disposed to yield to exemplary virtues. 

CHAP. III. 

Containing sentences, in which the rules for promoting 

the Strength of a sentence are violated. 

Grammar, p. 203. Key, p. 129. 

SECT. L . 

The first rule for promoting the strength of a sen* 
fence, is, to prune it of all redundant words andmembers. 

It is six months ago, since I paid a visit to my relations. 

Suspend your censure so long, till your judgment oa 
the subject can be wisely formed. 

The reason why he acted m the manner he did, was 
not fully explained. 

If I were to give a reason for their looking so well, 
it would be because they rise early. 

If I mistake not, I think he is improved, both in 
knowledge and behaviour. 

Those two boys appear to be both equal in capacity. 

Whenever he sees me, he always inquires concern- 
ing his friends. 

The reason of his conduct will be accounted for in 
the conclusion of this narrative. 

I hope this is the last time that I shall ever act bc 
imnrudentlv. 



Strength.) perspicuity, &e. i57 

The reason of his sudden departure, was on account 
of the case not admitting of delay. 

The people gained nothing farther by this step, but 
only to suspend their misery. 

I have here supposed that the reader is acquainted 
with that great modern discovery, which is at present- 
universally acknowledged by all the inquirers into na- 
tural philosophy. 

There are few words in the English language which 
are employed in a more loose and uncircumscribed 
sense, than those of the fancy and the imagination. 

I intend to make use of these words in the thread of 
my following speculations, that the reader may conceive 
rightly what is the subject upon which I proceed. 

Commend me to an argument that, like a flail, there 
Is no fence against it. 

How many are there,, by whom these tidings of 
good news were never heard ! 

These points have been illustrated in so pls:^ a* 
evident a manner, that the perusal of the book b* w 
given me pleasure and satisfaction. 

However clear and obvious the conduct which he 
ought to have pr sued, he had not courage and resolu- 
tion to set about it. 

I was much moved on this occasion, and left the 
place full of a great many serious reflections. 

They are of those that rebel against the Light they 
know not the ways thereof, nor ab ide in the paths thereof. 

This measure may afford some profit, and furnish 
some amusement. - 

By a multiplicity and variety of words, the thoughts 
and sentiments are not set off and accommodated ; but 
like David dressed out and equipped in Saul's armour, 
they are encumbered and oppressed. 

Although he was closely occupied with the affairs of 
the nation, nevertheless he did not neglect the con- 
cerns of his friends. 

Whereas, on the other hand, supposing that secrecy 
Bed been enjoined, Lis conduct was verv culpable 
O 



158 exercises. {Strength. 

Less capacity is required for tills business, but more 
time is necessary. 

He did not mention Leonora, nor that her father 
was dead. 

The combatants encountered each other with such rage, 
that being eager only to assail, and thoughtless of making 
any defence^ they both fell dead upon the field together, 

I shall, in the first place, begin with remarking the 
defects, and shall then proceed afterwards to describe 
the excellencies, of this plan of education. 

Numberless orders of beings* which are to us un- 
known, people the wide extent of the universe. 

His extraordinary beauty was such, that it struck 
observers with admiration. 

Thought and language act and re-act upon each 
other mutually. 

Their interests were dependent upon, and insepara 
bly connected with each other. 

Yv'hiie you employ all the circumspection and vigi- 
lance which reason can suggest, let your prayers, at 
the same time, continually ascend to heaven for sup- 
port and aid. 

SECT. II. 

The second rule for promoting the strength of a $en- 
fence j is, to attend particularly to the use of copulatives, 
relatives, and all the particles employed for transition 
and connexion. 

Grammar, p. 205. Key, p. 131. 

The enemy said, I will pursue^ and I will overtake, 
and I will divide the spoil. 

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest ; cold, 
neat, summer, winter, day and night, shall not cease. 

A man should endeavour to make the sphere of hia 
innocent pleasures as wide as possible, that he may 
retire into them with safety, and find in them such 
satisfaction as a wise, man would not blush to take. 
Of this nature are those of imagination. 

The army was composed of Grecians. CmaDr. 
Lycians. PamphyHans, -And Phrygians. 



Strength,) perspicuity, &c. xo* 

The body of this animal was strong, and propor- 
tionable, and beautiful. 

There is nothing which promotes knowledge more 
than steady application, and a habit of observation. 

Though virtue borrows no assistance from, yet it may 
often be accompanied by, the advantages of fortune. 

The knowledge he has acquired, and the habits of 
application he pose-esses, will probably render him 
very useful. 

Their idleness, and their luxury and pleasures, their 
criminal deeds, and their immoderate passions, and 
their timidity and baseness of mind, have dejected them 
to such a degree, as to make them weary of life. 

I was greatly affected, insomuch that 1 was obliged 
to leave the place, notwithstanding that my assistance 
has been pressingly solicited. 

I strenuously opposed those measures, and it was 
not in my power to prevent them. 

I yielded to his solicitations, whilst I perceived the 
necessity of doing so. 

For the wisest purposes, Providence has designed 
our state to be chequered with pleasure and pain. In 
this manner let us receive it, and make the best of 
what is appointed to be our lot. 

In the time of prosperity, he had stored his mind 
with useful knowledge, with good principles, and 
virtuous dispositions. And therefore they remain en- 
tire, when the days of trouble come. 

He had made considerable advances in knowledge, 
but he was very young, and laboured under several 
disadvantages. 

SECT. III. 

The third rule for promoting the strength of a se7i~ 
tence, is, to dispose of the capital word, or words, so 
that they may make the greatest impression. 
Grammar, p. 208. Key, p. 132. 

I have considered the subject with a good deal of 
attention, upon which I was desired to communicate 
rw thought*. 



160 exercises. (Strength. 

Whether a choice altogether unexceptionable has, 
in anv country, been made, seems doubtful. 

Let us endeavour to establish to ourselves an inter- 
est in Him, who holds the reins of the whole creation 
in his hands. 

Yirgil, who has cast the whole system of platonic 
philosophy, so far as it relates to the soul of man, into 
beautiful allegories, in the sixth book of his i£neid, 
gives us the punishment, &c. 

And Philip the fourth was obliged, at last, to con- 
clude a peace, on terms repugnant to his inclination, to 
that of his people, to the interest of Spain, and to that 
of all Europe, in the Pyrenean treaty. 

It appears that there are, by a late calculation, up- 
wards of fifteen millions of inhabitants, in Great 
Britain and Ireland. 

And although persons of a virtuous and learned 
education, may be, and too often are, drawn by the 
temptations of youth, and the opportunities of a large 
fortune, into some irregularities, when they come for- 
ward into e great world, it is ever with reluctance 
and compunction of mind, because their bias to virtue 
still continues. 

Were instruction an essential circumstance in epic 
poetry, I doubt whether a single instance could be 
given of this species of composition, in any language. 

Some of our most eminent writers have made use 
of this platonic notion, as far as it regards the subsis- 
tence of our affections after death, with great beauty 
and strength of reason. 

Men of the best sense have been touched, more or less, 
with these groundless horrors and presages of futurity, 
upon surveying the most indifferent works of nature. 

He that cometh in the name of the Lord, is blessed. 

Every one that puts on the appearance of goodness, 
is not good. 

And Elias with Moses appeared to them. 

Where are your fathers 1 and do the prophets live 
for ever ? 

We came to our journey's end at last with no small 



Strength.) perspicuitv, &c. Iti 

difficulty, after much fetigue, through deep roads and 
bad weather. 

Virgil has justly contested with Homer, the praise 
of judgment, but his invention remains yet unrivalled. 

Let us employ our criticism on ourselves, instead 
of being critics on others. 

Let us implore superior assistance, for enabling us 
to act well our own part, leaving others to be judged 
by Him who searcheth the heart. 

The vehemence of passion, after it has exercised its 
tyrannical sway for a while, may subside by degrees. 

This fallacious art debars us from enjoying life, in- 
stead of lengthening it. 

Indulging ourselves in imaginarj^ enjoyments, often 
deprives us of real ones. 

How will that nobleman be able to conduct himself, 
when reduced to poverty, who was educated only to 
magnificence and pleasure ? 

It is highly proper that a man should be acquainted 
with a variety of things, of which the utility is above 
$ child's comprehension : but is it necessary a child 
should learn every thing it behoves a man to know ; or 
is it even possible 1 

When they fail into sudden difficulties, they are less 
perplexed than others in the like circumstances; and 
when they encounter dangers, they are less alarmed. 

For all your actions, you uust hereafter give an ac- 
count, and particularly for the employments of youth. 

: SECT. IV. 
The fourth rule for promoting the strength of sen- 
tences, is, that a ivcaker assertion or proposition should 
never come after a stronger one ; and that, when our 
sentence consists of two members, the longer should, gen-? 
c rally, be the concluding om. 

Grammar, pr209. Key, p. 131, 
Charity breathes long suffering to enemies, courtesv 
to strangers, habitral kindness towards friends. 

Gentleness ought to diffuse itself over our whole 
bdlaviour, to form our address, and regulate our speerh 
2 



162 exercises. {Strength. 

The propensity to look forward into life, is too of- 
ten grossly abused, and immoderately indulged. 

The regular tenour of a virtuous and pious life, will 
prove the best preparation for immortality, for old 
age, and death. 

These rules are intended to teach young persons to 
write with propriety, elegance, and perspicuity. 

Sinful^pleasures blast the opening prospects of hu- 
man felicity, and degrade human honour. 

In this state of mind, every employment of life be- 
comes an oppressive burden, and every object appears 
gloomy. 

They will acquire different views, applying to the 
honourable discharge of the functions of their station s 
and entering on a virtuous course of action. 

By the perpetual course of dissipation, in which 
ensualists are engaged ; by the riotous revel, and the 
nidnight, or rather morning hours, to which they pro- 
long their festivity ; by the excesses which they indulge; 
they debilitate their bodies, cut themselves off from the 
comforts and duties of life, and wear out their spirits. 

SECT. V. 

A fifth rule for the strength of sentences, is, to avoid 
concluding them with an adverb, a preposition, or any 
inconsiderable word. 

Grammar, p. 210. Key, p. 135. 

By what I have already expressed, the reader will 
perceive the business which I am to proceed upon. 

May the happy message be applied to us, in all the 
virtue, strength, and comfort of it ! 

Generosity is a showy virtue, which many persons 
are very fond of. 

These arguments were, without hesitation, and with 
great eagerness, laid hold of. 

It is proper to be long in deliberation, but we should 
speedily execute. 

Form your measures with prudence ; but all anxi- 
ety about the issue cfivest yourselves of. 



Strength.) perspicuity, &c. itte 

We are struck, we know not how, with the symme- 
try of any thing we see ; and immediately acknowledge 
the beauty of an object, without inquiring into the par- 
ticular causes and occasions of it. 

With Cicero's writings, these persons are more con- 
versant, than with those of Demosthenes, who, by many 
degrees, excelled the other ; at least as an orator. 

SECT. VI. 

JL sixth rule relating to the strength of a sentence is 
that, in the members of a sentence, where two things are 
compared or contrasted with one another, where either 
a resemblance, or an opposition, is intended to be ex- 
pressed; some resemblance, in tfte language and con- 
struction, should be preserved. For when the things 
themselves cowespond to each other, we naturally ex- 
pect to find a similar correspondence in the words. 
Grammar, p. 21 i. Key, p. 136. 

Our British gardeners, instead of humouring nature, 
love to deviate from it as much as possible. 

I have observed of late the style of some great minis- 
ters, very much to exceecf that of any ether productions. 

The old may inform the young ; and the young 
may animate those who are advanced in life. 

The account is generally balanced ; for w^hat we are 
losers on the one hand, we gain on the other. 

The laughers will be -for those who have most wit ; 
the serious part of mankind, for those who have most 
reason on their side. 

If men of eminence are exposed to censure on the 
one hand, they are as much liable to flattery on the other. 
If they receive reproaches which are not due to them, 
they likewise receive praises which they do not deserve. 

He can bribe, but he is not able to seduce. He can 
buy, but he has not the power of gaining. He can 
lie, but no one is deceived by him. 

He embraced the cause of liberty faintly, and pur- 
sued it without resolution ; he grew tired of it, when 
he had much to hope ; and gave it up, when there was 
no ground for apprehension. 



at ttm {Strength. 

There may remain a suspicion that we overrate the 
greatness of his genius, in the same manner as bodies 
appear more gigantic, on account of their being dispro 
portioned and misshapen. 

SECT. VII. 

The seventh rule for promoting the strength and ef- 
fect of sentences, is, to attend to the harmony and easy 
flow of the words and members. 

Grammar, p. 211. Key, p. 136. 

Sobermindedness suits the present state of man. 

As conventicles, these people were seized and pu-' 
nished. 

To use the Divine name customarily, and without 
serious consideration, is highly irreverent. 

From the favourableness with which he was at first 
received, great hopes of success were entertained. 

They conducted themselves wilily, and ensnared us 
before we had time to escape. 

It belongs not to our humble and confined station, 
to censure, but to adore, submit, and trust. 

Under all its labours, hope is the mind's solace ; and 
the situations which exclude it entirely are few. 

The humbling of those that are mighty, and the pre- 
cipitation of persons who are ambitious, from the tow- 
ering height that they had gained, concern but little 
the bulk of men. 

Tranquillity, regularity, and magnanimity, reside 
with the religious and resigned man. 

Sloth, ease, success, naturally tend to beget vices 
and follies. 

By a cheerful, even, and open temper, he conciliated 
general favour. 

V» e reached the mansion before noon. It was ? 
strong, grand, Gothic house. 

I had a long and perilous journey, but a comfortable 
companion, who relieved the fatigue of it. 

The speech was introduced by a sensible preamble. 
*vhjrh made a favourable impression. 



Strength.; perspicuity, &c. It>6 

The commons made an angry remonstrance against 
cuch an arbitrary requisition. 

The truly illustrious are they who do not court the 
praise of the world, but who perform such actions as 
make them indisputably deserve it. 

By the means of society, our wants come to be sup- 
plied, and our lives are rendered comfortable, as well 
as our capacities enlarged, and our virtuous affections 
called forth into their proper exercise. 

Life cannot but prove vain to such persons as affect 
a disrelish of every pleasure, which is not both new 
and exquisite, measuring their enjoyments by fashion's 
standard, and not by what they feel themselves ; and 
thinking that if others do not admire their state, they 
are miserable. 

By experiencing distress, an arrogant insensibility 
of temper is most effectually corrected, from the re- 
membrance of our own sufferings naturally prompting 
us to feel for others in their sufferings : and if Provi- 
dence has favoured us, so as not to make us subject in 
our own lot to much of this kind of discipline, we should 
extract improvement from the lot of others that is 
harder ; and step aside sometimes from the flowery 
and smooth paths which it is permitted us to walk in, 
in order to view the toilsome march of our fellow- 
creatures through the thorny desert. 

As no one is without his failings, so few want good 
qualities. 

Providence delivered them up to themselves, and 
they tormented themselves. 

From disappointments and trials, we learn the in* 
sufficiency of temporal things to happiness, and the ne- 
cessity to goodness. 

CHAP. IT. 

Instances of an irregular use of Figures of Speech, 
Grammar, p. 215. Key, p. 133. 
No human happiness is so serene as not to contain 
aiw alloy. 



1g6 exercises. , (Figures- 

There is a time when factions, by the vehemence of 
their own fermentations, stun and disable one another, 
I intend to make use of these words in the thread 
of my speculations. 

Hope, the balm of life, darts a ray of light through 
the thickest gloom. 

The scheme was highly expensive to him, and prov- 
ed the Charybdis of his estate. 

He was so much skilled in the empire of the oar, 
that few could equal him. 

The death of Cato has rendered the senate an orphan. 

Let us be attentive to keep our mouths as with a 

bridle ; and to steer our vessel aright, that we may 

avoid the rocks and shoals, which lie every where 

around us. 

At length Erasmus, that great injur'd name, 
(The glory of the priesthood and the shame,) 
Curb'd the wild torrent of a barb'rous age, 
And drove those holy Vandals off the stage. 

In this our day of proof, our land of hope, 
The good man has his clouds that intervene ; 
Clouds (hat may dim his sublunary day, 
But cannot conquer: even the best raust own, 
Patience and resignation are the columns 
Of human peace on earth. 

On the wide sea of letters, 'twas thy boast 
To crowd each sail, and touch at ev'ry coast ; 
From that r'ch mine how often hast thou brought 
The pure and precious pearls of splendid -nought! 
How didst thou triumph on that subject tide, 
Till vanity's wild gust, and stormy pride, 
Drove thy strong mind, in evil hour, to split 
Upon the fatal r ack of impious wit! 

Since the time that reason began to bud, and put 
forth her shoots, thought, during our waking hours, 
has been active in every breast, without a moment's 
suspension or pause. The current of ideas has been 
always moving. The wheels of the spiritual engine 
have exerted themselves with perpetual motion. 

The man who has no rule over his own spirit, pos- 
sesses no antidote against poisons of any sort. He 
lies open to every insurrection of ill-humour, and eve- 
ry gale of distress. Whereas he who is employed jn> 



JPruMscuous.) perspicuity, &e. 161 

regulating his mind, is making provision against all the 
accidents of life. He is erecting a fortress into which, 
in the day of sorrow, he can retreat with satisfaction. 

Tamerlane the Great, writes to Bajazet, emperor of 
the Ottomans, in the following terms — " Where is the 
monarch who dares resist us? Where is the potentate 
who does not glory in being numbered among our at- 
tendants ? As for thee, descended from a Turcoman 
sailor, since the vessel of thy unbounded ambition has 
been wrecked in the gulf of thy self-love, it would be 
proper that thou shouldst take in the sails of thy temer- 
ity, and cast the anchor of repentance in the port of 
sincerity and justice, which is the port of safety ; lest 
the tempest of our vengeance make thee perish in the 
sea of the punishment thou deservest." 

It is pleasant to be virtuous and good ; because that 
is to excel many others : it is pleasant to grow better ; 
because that is to excel ourselves: it is pleasant to 
command our appetites and passions, and to keep them 
m due order, within the bounds of reason and religion ; 
because this is empire : nay, it is pleasant even to 
mortify and subdue our lusts because that is victory. 

CHAP. Y. 

Violations of tfie Ruhs respecting perspicuous and ac- 
curate writing , promiscuously disposed* 

See the Key, p. 141. 

SECT. I. 

What is human life to all, but a mixture, with various 
cares and troubles, of some scattered joys and pleasures ? 

When favours of every kind are conferred speedily, 
they are doubled! 

He will soon weary the company, who is himself 
wearied. 

He must endure the follies of others, who will have 
their kindness. 

For the last years of man the first must make pro- 
ralonV 



16*8 exercises. (Promiscuous. 

Perpetual light-mindedness nuist terminate in ig- 
norance. 

In these, and in such like cases, we should, in our 
alms, generally suffer none to be witnesses, but Him 
who must see every thing. 

The reason why he is so badly qualified for the 
business, is because be neglected his studies, and op- 
portunities of improvement. 

That Plutarch wrote lives of Demosthenes and Ci- 
cero at Chaeronea, it is clear from his own account. 

I wish to cultivate your further acquaintance. 

He may probably make the attempt, but he cannot 
possibly succeed. 

No pains were spared by his tutor, in order to his 
being improved in all useful knowledge. 

In no scene of her life was ever Mary's address 
more remarkably displayed. 

This was the cause which first gave rise to such a 
barbarous practice., 

He craftily endeavoured, by a variety of false insin- 
uations which he made use of, to turn the emperor to 
his purpose. 

The beauty in the earth equals the grandeur in the 
heavens. 

In health and vigour of body, and in the state of 
worldly fortune, all rejoice. 

What passes in the hearts of menj is generally un- 
known to the public eye. 

Many associations are united by laws the most ar- 
bitrary. 

These instances may, it is hoped, be sufficient to 
satisfy every reasonable mind. 

By such general and comprehensive rules as this, 
the clearest ideas are conveyed. 

He determined not to comply with the proposal, ex- 
cept he should receive a more ample compensation. 

There can be no doubt but that health is preferable 
to riches. 

They declared to their friends, that they believed 
the perusal of such books had ruined their principles- 



Promiscuous.) perspicuity, &c. 169 

John's temper greatly indisposed him for instruction. 

Vegetation is advancing constantly, though no eye 
can trace the steps of its gradation. 

The reason of my consenting to the measure, was 
owing to his importunity. 

I conceived a great regard for him, and could not 
but mourn for his loss. 

The officer apprehended him, and confined him in 
his own house. 

Charlotte, the friend of Amelia, to whom no one 
Imputed blame, was too prompt in her vindication. 

Men who are rich and avaricious, lose themselves in 
a spring which might have cherished all around them* 

I should prefer him to be rather of slow parts than 
"vith a bad disposition. 

As soon as Eugenius undertook the care of a parish, 
it immediately engrossed the whole of his attention. 

The plan will at once contribute to general conveni 
ence, and add to the beauty and elegance of the town. 

Together with the national debt, the greatest na- 
tional advantages are also transmitted to succeeding 
generations. 

Their intimacy had commenced in the happier pe- 
riod, perhaps, of their youth and obscurity. 

His object is precisely of that kind, which a daring 
imagination could alone have adopted. 

This emperor conjured the senate, that the purity of 
his reign might not be stained or contaminated by the 
blood even of a guilty senator. 

It is a happy constitution of mind, to be able to view 
successive objects so steadily, as that the more may ne- 
ver prevent us from doing justice to the less important. 

This activity drew great numbers of enterprising 
men over to Virginia, who came either in search of 
fortune or of liberty, which was the only compensation 
for the want of it. 

The erroneous judgment of parents, concerning the 

conduct of schoolmasters, has crushed the peace ot 

many an ingenious man, who engaged in the care of 

youth 5 ?nd paved the way to the rain of hopeful hoys- 

p 



170 totiuusL^. 

SECT. IL 

Key, p. 143. 

The Greek doubtless i3 a language which is much 
superior in riches, harmony, and variety, to Latin. 

Those three great genius's flourished in the same 
period. 

He has made a judicious adaption of (he example's 
of the rule. 

This part of knowledge has been always growing, 
and will do so, till the subject be exhausted. 

A boy of twelve years old may study these lessons. 

The servant produced from his late master an unde- 
niable character* 

I am surprised that so great a philosopher as you 
are, should spend your time in the pursuit of such 
chimeras. 

The ends o£-a divine and human legislator, are vastly 
different. 

Scarce had the " Spirit of Laws*' made its' appear* 
a nee, than it was attacked. 

His donation was the more acceptable, that it was 
given without solicitation. 

This subject is an unwelcome intruder, affording but 
an uneasy sensation, and brings with it always a mix- 
ture of concern and compassion. 

He accordingly draws out his forces, and offers bat 
tie to Hiero, who immediately accepted it. 

James laid late in bed yesterday, and this mornidg 
he lays still later. 

The reason of this strange proceeding, will be ac- 
counted for when I make my defence. 

I have observed him often, and his manner of pro- 
ceeding is thus : he enjoins first silence ; and then, &c. 

Having not known, or not considered the subject^ 
he made a very crude decision. 

They all were deceived by his fair pretences, and 
they all of them lost their property. 

It is above a year since the time that I left school. 

He was guilty of such atrocious conduct, that he was 
cTeserted by his friends for good and 9 X L 



Promiscuous.) perspicuity, &c. 171 

No other employment besides a bookseller suited 
his inclination. 

Hereby I am instructed, and thereby I am honoured. 

I pleaded my good intention ; and after some time 
ire assented thereto ; whereby I entirely escaped all 
punishment. 

This I am disposed to the rather, that it will serve 
to illustrate the principles advanced above. 

From what I have said, you will perceive readily tire 
subject I am to proceed upon. 

These are points too trivial to take notice of. They 
are objects I am totally unacquainted with. 

The nearer that men approach each other, the more 
numerous the points of contact in which they touch, 
and the greater their pleasures or pains. 

Thus I have endeavoured to make the subject be 
better understood. 

This is the most useful art of which men are pos- 
sessed. 

The French writers of sermons study neatness in 
laying down their heads. 

There is not any beauty more in one of them than 
'm another. 

SECT III, 

Key, p. 145. 

Study to unite with firmness of principle gentle* 
ness of manners, and affable behaviour with untainted 
integrity. 

In that work, we are every now and then interrupt- 
ed with unnatural thoughts. 

Bating one or two expressions, the composition is 
not subject to censure. 

To answer his purpose effectually, he pitched upon 
a very moving story. 

I am not able to discover whether these points are 
any how connected. 

These are arguments which cannot be got over by 
all the cavils of infidelity. 

This matter J had a srreat mind to reply to. 



172 exercises. {frromscuom. 

I hope that I may not be troubled m future, on t\\i$ 
or any the like occasions. 

It is difficult to unite together copiousness and pre 
eision. 

Let us consider of the proper means to effect out 
purpose. 

We must pay attention to what goes before and im- 
mediately follows after. 

The more that this tract is pursued, the more that 
eloquence is studied, the more shall we be guarded 
against a false taste. 

Tine believers of every class and denomination o n . 
earth, make up the church and people of God. 

This is the sum and substance of that which has 
been said on the subject. 

A perfect union of wit and judgment, is one of the 
rarest things in the world. 

Praise, like gold and diamonds, owes to its scarcity 
only its value. 

Intemperance will make life short and sad, thougli 
it may fire the spirit for an hour. 

From their errors of education, all their miseries 
have proceeded. 

Their disinterestedness of conduct produced gene- 
ral admiration. 

I viewed the habitation of my departed friend. — 
/enerable shade ! I then gave thee a tear : accept 
now of one cordial drop that falls to thy memory. 

To-day we are here ; to-morrow we are gone. 

This author is more remarkable for strength of sei 
timent, than harmonious language. 

Many persons are more delighted with correct and 
elegant language, than with the importance of senti- 
ment and accuracy of reasoning. 

I feel myself grateful to my friend, for all the in- 
stances of his kindness, which he has often manifest- 
ed to me. 

It is not from this world that any source of comfort 
can arise, to cheer the ^Jooro of the last hour 



Promiscuous.) perspicui^, &c 173 

SECT. IV. 

Key, p. 147. 
It is dangerous for beauty that ismortal>or for terres- 
trial virtue, to be examined by a light that is too strong 

tor it. 

Beautiful women possess seldom any great accom- 
plishments, because they study behaviour rather than 
solid excellence, for the most part. 

It is to discover the temper of froward children, not 
that of men, far less that of Christians, to fret and re- 
pine at every disappointment of our wishes. 

It is ordained and decreed by Providence, that no- 
thin^ shall be obtained in our present state, that is 
truly valuable, except it be with difficulty and danger. 

Pauses of ease and relaxation, labour necessarily 
requires ; and the deliciousness of ease makes us com- 
monly unwilling to return to labour. 

Nothing which is not right can be great ; nothing" 
can be suitable to the dignity of the human mind whicn 
reason condemns. 

We have warm hopes in youth, which are blasted soon 
i»y negligence and rashness; and great designs which are 
defeated by inexperience and ignorance of the world. 

The haunts of dissipation, by night and day, open 
many a wide and inviting gate to the children of idle- 
ness and sloth. 

True virtue (as all its parts are connected, piety with 
morality, charity with justice, benevolence with tem- 
perance and fortitude,) must form one complete and 
entire system. 

Dissimulation obscures parts and learning ; degrades 
the lustre of every accomplishment ; and plunges us 
into universal contempt. 

Confident as you now are in your assertions, and 
nositive as you are in your opinions, be assured the 
time approaches when things and men will appear in a 
different light to you. 

In this age of dissipation and luxury in which we 
live, how many avenues are constantly open that carry 
»is ^o the gates of follv ! 



^74 exerciser. ( 'Promiscuous > 

Through extravagance and idleness, and vain incli- 
nation of emulating others in the splendid show of life, 
many run into charges exceeding their property. 

Objects are separated from each other, by their quail- 
ties: they are distinguished by the distance of time or placr*. 

Clarendon, being a man of extensive abilities, stored 
his mind with a variety of ideas ; which circumstance 
contributed to the successful exertion of his vigorous 
capacity. 

SECT. V. 

Key. p. 148. 

The most high degree of reverence and attention 
should be paid to youth ; and nothing that is indecent 
or indelicate should be suffered to approach their eyes 
or their ears. 

He who is blessed with a clear conscience, in the 
worst conjunctures of human life, enjoys an elevation 
of mind peculiar to virtue, as well as dignity and peace. 

The hand of industry may change, in a few years, the 
face of a country ; but to alter the sentiments and man- 
ners of a people, requires often as many generations. 

When the human mind dwells attentively and longup- 
on any subject, the passions are apt to grow enthusiastic, 
interested and warm; and the understanding which 
they ought to obey, they often force* into their service. 

Some years after, being released from prison, by 
reason of his consummate knowledge of civil law, and 
of military affairs, he was exalted to the supreme power. 

The discontented man (as his spleen irritates and 
sours his temper, and leads him to discharge its venom 
on all with whom he stands connected,) is never found 
without a great share of malignity. 

We cannot doubt but all the proceedings of Provi- 
dence will appear as equitable, when fully understood 
and completely intelligible, as now they seem irregular. 

All that sreat wealth gives more than a moderate for- 
tune, generally is, more room for the freak3 of caprice, 
and privilege for ignorance and vice : of flatteries a 
quicker succession, and a larger circle of voluptuousness. 

The miscarriages of the exeat designs of princes are. 



Vromiscuous. } perspicuity, &c. 176 

recorded in the histories of the world, but are of little use 
to the bulk of mankind, who seem very little interested 
in records of miscarriages which cannot happen to them, 

Were there any man who could say, in the course of his 
life, that he had never suffered himself to be transported 
bypassion, or had ever given just ground of offence to any- 
one, such a man might, when he received from others 
unreasonable treatment, have some plea for impatience. 

Christianity will, at some future period, influence the 
conduct of nations as well as individuals. But this will 
"be, though its greatest, probably its latest triumph : for 
this can be only brought about through the medium of 
private character ; and therefore will be not rapid in its 
progress, and visible at every step ; but gradual, and visi- 
ble when considerable effects only have been produced. 

The British constitution stands, like an ancient oak in 
the wood, among the nations of the earth ; which, after 
having overcome many a blast, overtops the other trees 
of the forest, and commands respect and veneration. 

SECT. VI. 

Key, p. 150. 

What an anchor is to a vessel amidst a boisterous ocean, 
on a coast unknown, and in adark night, that is the hope 
of future happiness to the soul, when beset by the confu- 
sions of the world : for in dangers, it affords one fixed 
point of rest ; amidst general fluctuation, it gives security. 

Our pride and self-conceit, (by nourishing a weak and 
childish sensibility to every fancied point of our own ho- 
nour and interest, while they shut up all regard to the 
honour or interest of our brethren, render us quarrel - 
, some and contentious. 

If there be any first principles of wisdom, it un- 
doubtedly is this : the distresses that are removable, 
endeavour to remove ; bear with as little disquiet as 
you can, the distresses which cannot be removed : 
comforts are to be found in every situation and condi- 
tion of life ; having found them, enjoy them. 

Instead of aspiring farther than your proper level, 
bring your mind down to your state ; lest you spend 



£ exercises. (Promiscuous* 

your life in a train of fruitless pursuits, by aiming too 
high, and at last bring yourself to an entire stat§ of 
insignificance and contempt. 

Often have we seen, that what we considered as a 
sore disappointment at the time, has proved to be a 
merciful providence in the issue ; and that it would 
nave been so far from making us happy, if what we 
once eagerly wished for had been obtained, that it 
would have produced our ruin. 

Can the stream continue to advance, when it is de- 
prived of the fountain? Can the branch improve 
when taken from the stock which gave it nourishment 1 
Dependent spirits can no more be happy, when parted 
from all union with the Father of spirits, and the 
Fountain of happiness. 

Prosperity is redoubled to a good man, by means of 
the generous use which he makes of it ; and it is re- 
flected back upon him by every one whom he makes 
^ )'y. for, in the esteem and good-will of all who knovf 
him, in the gratitude of dependents, in the attachment 
of friends, and the intercourse of cjomestic affection, 
lie sees blessings multiplied round him on every side. 

Whoever would pass, with honour and decency, the 
litter part of life, must consider when he is young, 
that one day he shall be old ; and remember that when 
he is old, he has once been young: he must lay up 
knowledge in youth for his support, when his powers 
of acting shall forsake him ; and forbear to animad- 
vert i in age, with rigour, on faults which experience 
ran alone correct. 

Let m consider that youth is of no long duration ; 
and tfiat when the enchantments of fancy in maturer 
age shall cease, and phantoms no more dance about 
r , we shall have no comforts but wise men's esteem, 
the approbation of our hearts, and the means of doing 
•'ocid : and let us live as men that r-re to grow old some 
lime, and to whom of all evils it will be the most 
dreadful, to count their years past only by follies, and 
• > be reminded of their former luxuriance of health, 
5 maladies only which riot has produced. 



APPENDIX : 



.ONI'UNING EXAMPLES, TO ASSIST THE STUDENT IX TRANS- 
POSING THE PARTS OP SENTENCES, AND IM VARYING THE 
FORM OP EXPRESSING A SENTIMENT 



CHAP. L 

On transposing the Members of a Sentence. 

The practice of transposing the members of sentences, is an exer 
•eise so useful to young 1 persons, that it requires a more particular ex- 
planation, than could have been properly given in the preceding work. 

A few of the various modes in which the parts of a sentence may 
Rearranged, have, therefore, been collected ; and they are, wit: 
other matter, produced in the form of an Appendix to the general 
Exercises. By examining them attentively, the student will per- 
ceive, in somedegree, the nature and effect of transposition ; and t 
by being frequently exercised in showing its variety in other sen- 
tences, he will obtain a facility in the operation ; and a dexterity 
in discovering and applying, on all occasions, the clearest and mo^t 
.forcible arrangement. By this practice, he will also be able more 
readily to penetrate the meaning of such sentences, as are rendered ^ 
obscure and perplexing to most readers, by the irregular disposi- V* 
;ion of their parts. 

The first and last forms of each class of examples, are to be con- 
sidered as the least exceptionable. 

The Roman state evidently declined, in proportion to the increase 
•jf luxury. 

The Roman state, in proportion to the increase of luxury, evi- 
dently declined. 

In proportion to the increase of luxury, the Roman state evi- 
dently declined. 

I am willing to remit all that is past, provided it may be done 
with safety. 

I am willing, provided it may be done with safety, to remit all 
that is past. 

Provided it may be done with safety, I am willing to remit all 
that is past. 

That greatness of mind which shows itself in dangers and la- 
bours, if it wants justice, is blamable. 

If tnat greatness of mind, which shows itself in dangers and la- 
bours, is void of justice, it is blamable. 

That greatness of mind is blamable, which shows itself in dan- 
gers and labours, if it wants justice. 

If that greatness of mind is void of justice, which shows itself in 
dangers and labours, it is blamable. 

That greatness of mind is blamable, if it is void of justice, which • 
shows itself in dangers and labours. 

If it wants justice, that greatness of mind, which shows itself in 
dangers and labours, is blamable. 

Ho who made light to spring from primeval darkness, will make 
vrder, at last, to arise from the seeming confusion of the world. 

From the seeming confusion of the world, He who made light to 
r.-Hn? from primeval darkness, will make opVr- at last, to arise, 



m APPENDIX. 

He who made lighUo spring from primeval darkness, will, tiu>K* 
the seeming confusion of the world, make order at last, to arise. 

He who made light to spring from primeval darkness, will, atlast, 
frqm the seeming confusion ofthe world, make order to arise. 

He will make order, at last, to arise from the seeming confusion 
cf the world, who made light to spring from primeval darkness. 

From the seeming confusion of the world, He will make order, 
at last ? to arise, who made light to spring from primeval darkness. 

He who made l'ghtto spring from primeval darknesswill, at last, 
make order to arise, from the seeming confusion of this world. 

Whoever considers the uncertainty of human affairs, and how 
frequently the greatest hopes are frustrated; will see just reason 
to be always on his guard, and not to place too much dependence 
on things so precarious. 

He will see just reason to be always on hi3 guard, and not to 
place too much dependence on the precarious things of time ; who 
Considers the uncertainty of human affairs, and how often the gneart- 
est hopes are frustrated. 

Let us not conclude, while dangers are at a distance, and do not 
immediately approach us, that we are secure ; unless we use the 
necessary precaution to prevent them. 

Unless we use the necessary precautions to prevent dangers, !r-. 
ns not conclude, while they are at a distance, and do not immedi 
ately approach us, that we are secure. 

Unless we use the necessary precautions to prevent dangers, let 
us not conclude that we are secure, while they are at a distance, 
and do not immediately approach us. 

Let us not conclude that we are secure, while dangers are at a 
distance, and do not immediately approach us, unless we use the 
necessary precautions to prevent them. 

While dangers are at a distance, and do not immediately ap- 
proach us. let us not conclude, that we are secure, unless we use 
she necessary precautions to prevent them. 

Those things which ap^ear^ great to one who knows nothing 
greater, will sink into a diminutive size, when he becomes acquaint- 
ed with objects of a higher nature. 

When cue becomes acquainted with objects of a higher nature, 
those things' which appeared great to him whilst he knew nothing 
greater, will sink into a diminutive size. 

To one who kno ws nothing greater, those things which then appear 
great^ will sink into a diminutive size, when he becomes acquaint 
e^ with objects of a higher nature. 



CHAP. II. 

On Variety of Expression, 
Besides the practice of transposing the parts of sentences, th$ 
Compiler recommends to tutors, frequently to exercise their pupil?, 
in exhibiting some of the various modes, in which the same senti- 
ment may be properly expressed. This practice will extend their 
knowledge ofthe language, afford a variety of expression, and ha- 
bituate them to deliver their sentiments with clearness,ease, and pro- 
priety. It will likewise enable those who may be engaged in stu d v 
ing other languages not onlv to construe them with more facility, 
into English; but also to observe and apply more readily, mari> 
.^ tibe turn? and phrases, which are best adapted to the genius of- 



fetish languages. A few examples of this kind of exercise, wilt 
be sufficient to explain the nature of it, and to show its utility. 
The brother deserved censure more than his sister. 
The sister was Jess reprehensible than her brother. 
The sister did not deserve reprehension, so much as her brotiici 
Reproof was more due to the brother, than to the sister. 
I will attend the conference, if I can do it conveniently. 
I intend to be at the conference, unless it should be inconvenient 
if I can do it with convenience, I purpose to be present at the. 
conference. 

If it can be done without inconvenience, I shall not fail to at- 
tend the conference. 

I shall not absent myself from the conference unless circirm- 1 
stances render it necessary. 

He who lives always in the bustle of the world, lives in a per* 
pctual warfare. 

To live continually in the bustle of the world, is to live in per- 
petual warfare. 

By living 1 constantly in the bustle of the world, our life becomes 
a scene of contention. 

It is a continual warfare, to live perpetually in the bustle of tfie 
world; 

The hurry of the world, to him who always lives in it, is a per- 
petual conflict. 

They who are constantly engaged in the tumults of the wor'ltl, 
cs.ro strangers to the blessings of peace. 

The spirit of true religion breathes gentleness and affability. 
Gentleness and affability are the genuine effects of true religion, 
True religion teaches us to be gentle and affable. 
Genuine religion will never produce an austere temper, or a 
rough demeanor. 

Harshness of manners and want of condescension, are opposite 
to the spirit of true religion. ^ 

Industry is not only the instrument of improvement, but the 
foundation of pleasure. 
Industry produces both improvement and pleasure. 
Improvement and pleasure are the products of industry. 
The common attendants 1 on idleness are ignorance and miser;-, 
Valerius, passed several laws, abridging the power of the senate, 
and extending that of the people. 

Several law&w,ere passed by Valerius, which abridged the power 
of the senate, ana extended that of the people. 

The power of the senate was abridged, and that of the people 
extended, by several laws passed during the consulship of Valerius. 
The advantages 'of this world, even when innocently gained, are 
Uncertain blessings. * 

If the advantages of thk world were innocently gained, they are 
still uncertain blessings. ' 

We raay indeed innocently gain the advantages of this world • 
but even then they are uncertain blessings. 

Uncertainty attends all the advantages of this world, not exec-.])' 
ing those which are innocently acquired. 

The blessings which we derive from the advantages of Oils world, 
are not secure,' even when they are innocently gained. 
When you bcholj} -^iek?^ men multiplying in nWb©S anti :n- 



APPENDIX. 

creasing in power, imagine not that Providence particularly, favour* 
them. 

When wicked men are observed to multiply in number, and in-* 
crease in power, we are not to suppose that they are particularly 
favoured by Providence. 

From the increase and prosperity of the wicked, we must nofe 
infer that they are the favourites of Providence* 

Charity consists not in speculative ideas of general benevolence* 
iloating in the head, and leaving the heart, as speculations too often 
do, untouched and cold. 

Speculative ideas of general benevolence, do not form the virtus 
of charity, for these often float in the head, and leave the heart 
untouched and cold. 

Speculations which leave the heart unaffected and cold, though 
they may consist of general benevolence floating in the head, do not 
form the great virtue of charity. 

Universal benevolence to mankind, when it rests in the abstract, 
does not constitute the noble virtue of charity. It is then a loose 
indeterminate idea, rather than a principle of real effect : and floats 
as a useless speculation in the head, instead of affecting the temper 
and the heart. 
A wolf let into the sheepfold, will devour the sheep. 
If we let a wolf into the fold, the sheep will be devoured. 
The wolf will devour the sheep^ if the sheepfold be left open. 
. A wolf being let into the sheeptold, the sheep will be devoured. 
If tl^e fold be not left carefully shut, the wolf will devour the sheep- 
' There is no defence of the sheep from the wolf, unless it be kep> 
out of the fold. 

A slaughter will be made amongst the sheep, if the wolf can get 
into the fold. 

The preceding examples show that the form of expressing a ser^ 
iiment may be properly varied by turning the active voice of verbs 
into the passive, and the nominative case 01 nouns into the objective ; 
by altering the connexion of short sentences, by different "adverbs 
and conjunction, and by the use of prepositions ; by applying ad* 
jettives and adverbs instead of substantives, and vice versa; by 
using the case absolute in place of the nominative, and verb, and the 
participle instead of the verb ; by reversing- the correspondent parts 
of the sentence ; and by the negation of the contrary, instead of 
the assertion of the t!*ing first proposed. By these, and other 
modes of expression, a great variety of forms of speech, exactly or 
nearly of the same import, may be produced ; and the young "stu- 
dent furnished with a considerable store for his selection and use, 
When the business of transposing the parts of sentences, and of 
varying the forms of expression, becomes familiar to the student, 
Be may be employed in reducing the particulars of a few pages, to 
general heads ; and in expanding sentiments generally expressed, 
Into their correspondent particulars 5 and by making these opera- 
tions more or less general, and more or less particular, a conside- 
rable variety will be introduced into this part of the Exercises. 

An employment of the kind here proposed, will not only make 
<j>e learner skilful in the meaning and application of terms,' and in 
the nature of a concise and of a copious style ; but it will also teach 
jbiui to think with' order and attention j to contract or expand hi* 
views at pleasure 5 and to digest the sentiments of other persons- 
or his own 3 \p t the manner best adapted to assist Ms judgment an4 






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